Homebase step in after vandals damage primary school's greenhouses

A TIVERTON business has stepped in to help following the theft of two plastic greenhouses at Uffculme Primary School during the weekend.

Homebase DIY store have donated a Grow Your Own greenhouse as well as plants and vegetables to help get keen green fingered pupils back in the garden again.

Vandals also destroyed a third greenhouse and caused damage to the guttering.

Headteacher Liz Shinn said: "We are not covered under our insurance for acts of vandalism so this has impacted on our school budget which has also been cut.

"The children are very excited about this donation after the disappointment of what has happened.

"They were all very sad that all their hard work in the greenhouse was destroyed. It is such a lovely response from Homebase to help us out."

The DIY chain is taking part in a nationwide 'Grow Your Own' scheme which aims to encourage youngsters to eat their own fruit and vegetables.

Tiverton's Homebase store manager Steve Bishop said: "It is good for the children to see this kind of thing growing in their schools.

"As part of the nationwide Homebase initiative, we are more than happy to help them.

"It does seem such a bizarre thing to have stolen from a school."

An investigation is currently underway by police. PC Ella Penwill added: "It is heartbreaking when something like this happens, but seeing the donation instils faith back in human kind.

"I think people who commit such despicable crimes need help, so I would encourage those who did this to come and speak to me so we will be able to help them.

"Hopefully they will give what they have stolen back to the school."

Anyone with further information should call Tiverton CID 08452777444 using the extension 88520.