MINDLESS vandalism to their gates and fences is concerning the heads of two special schools. Since the closure of Nunnery Fields Hospital in Canterbury last year problems at neighbouring St Nicholas School have increased.

Head teacher Daniel Lewis says hospital staff used to keep an eye on the school site and notify staff or police of anything suspicious. "We are getting fencing and gates broken regularly - almost every week," he said. "And we had a window broken over the weekend."

He says youngsters from the area have used access through his school to the playing field, and that of Orchard School, whose site backs on to St Nicholas. "The gates are not locked so there is no need to break them down," he added.

Brian Shelley, head teacher at Orchard said he was concerned that the spate of petty vandalism could put vulnerable pupils at risk. "We could have children wandering off the premises," he pointed out. "We need the security."

So far the damage has been confined to a few broken windows and a gate. "We used to have terrible problems until we put up security fencing," said Mr Shelley. "My concern is that vandals could target us again."

Mr Lewis said he was hoping to meet with police soon to discuss what measures could be introduced to improve security.

"But I suspect it will be expensive," he added.