Community unites for school

Schoolchildren who feared their Christmas fair would have to be cancelled after arsonists torched all of the prizes and bric-a-brac are smiling again after the community united to donate replacements.

The items, along with costumes for the annual nativity play, were destroyed in a blaze at Parkfield Primary School, in Wolverhampton.

Headteacher Ian Miles said today he had been overwhelmed by the “brilliant community spirit” but the fair would still have to be scaled down as a result of the attack.

Arsonists torched the mobile classroom on Halloween and talks for a replacement are now underway with Wolverhampton City Council.

Mr Miles said: “Obiously it was very upsetting to lose all of the things but we’re getting back on track now.

“My first instinct was that the Christmas fair would have to be cancelled because we lost so much but members of the community have been very generous and collected toys, games and clothes.”

The fair will take place at the Dimmock Street school on November 30.

Mr Miles said:”We’ve also had people donating material for new costumes for the Christmas play and everyone’s working together on them - it really is all hands on deck. Everyone here has pulled together. We have a very strong sense of community and it’s helped us through this very difficult time.

“The classroom was multi-functional, we used it for our special needs lessons, early learning, the school nurse and preparation for events like the fair. It was constantly in demand and that has caused us the biggest inconvenience.

“We are now working with the council on an extension plan. A very detailed survey will have to take place because of all the mindshafts in the area but the governors have agreed in principal to an extension.”

The blaze started at 11.30pm and also destroyed costumes the children were set to wear at a special multi-faith celebration at the Civic Hall the following day.

Parents Lee and Samantha Davies said:”Everything the kids had worked so hard for over the years went up in flames, it was disgusting and so unfair.”

Inquiries into the attack are still ongoing, anyone with information can call Wednesfield Police on 0845 113 5000.