Toddlers miss out after thieves steal windscreen (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Toddlers miss out after thieves steal windscreen

TODDLERS at Greenfields Nursery School in Shipston lost out on their favourite swimming class last week after thieves stole the windscreen from the nursery's minibus.

"They cut through the rubber seal and took the entire windscreen - it was a very neat job," said nursery manager Lesley Tavener.

"It was one of those surreal moments to come in to work and see the wipers sticking out at an angle and thinking 'the glass looks very clear'.

"The Friday swimming class was cancelled and there were a lot of disappointed toddlers around. It's one of their favourite activities."

The nursery bought the minibus four years ago to take the youngsters on their two swimming trips a week and on various outings.

Greenfields has 130 children registered with it and takes more than 60 a day, as well as running the before and after school clubs for Shipston Primary School.

"During the holidays we do lots of outings and trips around the countryside," said Lesley. "We really need the transport. We also do pick-ups for the primary school.

"The loss of the minibus, even for a couple of days, is an inconvenience caused by mindless actions. The windscreen was obviously stolen for a similar vehicle."

The nursery suffered a break-in two weeks ago when thieves broke a window and got into the office, stealing a small sum of cash and a paying-in book.

"We had to replace the window, which was expensive, and we had to have the window boarded up. We are waiting for the bill for that," said Lesley.

A resident saw suspicious activity at the time of the break-in - which also occurred in the early hours of a Friday morning - and called the police. But by the time officers arrived from Stratford, the culprits had vanished.

"It's not nice to be targeted," said Lesley. "There isn't much to steal, unless they want the children's toys."

The nursery is situated near Shipston Rugby Club which also suffered at the hands of thieves on the same night the minibus was vandalised. Thieves stole a length of electrical cabling from the club, which has just had new floodlights installed.

Police are investigating the incidents.