A CAMPAIGN by Bangor children to urge motorists to slow down in front of their school has been thwarted by ‘mindless vandals.’

For years Our Lady’s RC Primary School, on Caernarfon Road, has been calling for Gwynedd Council to increase traffic calming measures in front of the school.

Despite ‘strenuous efforts’ the school has been unsuccessful in persuading the council to paint distinctive yellow school zigzag warnings on the road, or to get a 20 mph speed limit put in place.

So, children took matters into their own hands.

They resorted to designing a banner in English and Welsh alerting motorists to their school and reminding them to slow down.

However, children, staff and parents arrived at school on Monday, November 11, to find that ‘mindless vandals’ had ripped it down.

The fabric banner was designed by the school’s Rota Kids, a children’s Rotary club, led by Rotarians Pauline Kenyon and Kate Maskall.

Pauline Kenyon said: “We were dismayed and angry to see that mindless vandals had cut and ripped down the Rota Kids’ banner.

“It was very long and strung securely along the school railings, and was there for well over a year.

“The school’s CCTV system shows some shady figures ripping it down at 4.48am, on Sunday (November 10).

“The children were disappointed that despite strenuous efforts to get the council to paint the yellow zigzags, as other Gwynedd schools have, the council declined to do so.

“Instead they only painted double yellow lines which give no indication to traffic emerging from under the railway bridge.

“Sadly the banner is cut to pieces and is impossible to repair, so there are now no obvious warning signs.

“The children are very upset and cannot understand why anyone would be so unkind and senseless to vandalise their banner and jeopardise their safety.”

During the summer holidays vandals struck at the school.

They caused around £1,000 damage breaking a window, playground equipment, and broke the school’s Closed Circuit Television CCTV system.

Kay O’Hanlon who is Headteacher of the 127-pupil primary school, said: “These attacks by vandals seem to happen at stupid o’clock.

“The children were very disappointed to discover their road safety banner had been ruined.

“We have been campaigning for several years. We asked for 20mph, which school zones usually have, vehicles travel much faster than the road’s 30mph limit as they leave Bangor.

“Our children took on the issue themselves. No other school faces anything like this or is on such a busy road.”

The school is now appealing for anyone who could help them put up a more permanent, heavy duty sign to replace the banner.

Pauline Kenyon: “If anyone could help us with that, if they have a sign or graphic business, or if anyone could donate money so we can buy a one, the school would love to hear from anyone.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Ensuring the safety of pupils as they travel to and from school is a priority for the Council and the county’s schools.

“Officers from the Council’s Transportation Service have met representatives from Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes (Our Lady’s RC Primary School) in Bangor in the past and have installed a series of road safety measures, with signage being installed to make motorists aware of the fact that they’re approaching a school.

“Double yellow lines are in place outside the school which is essential to deter parking in this area.

“In addition, replacement flashing lights are in place which will remind motorists of the need to watch their speed as they approach the school, as well as the designated crossing which is located on the approach to the school from the Caernarfon Road direction.

“Officers would be happy to meet with representatives to discuss whether any further safety measures could be considered.”

Anyone able to donate money or a new sign is asked to telephone the school on 01248 352463.