Stolen Ysgol Gwaenynog playhouse is replaced

Aug 13 2008 By David Simister

YOUNGSTERS from one Denbigh school have got some good news awaiting them when they return after the summer break - their stricken playhouse has been replaced!

The pupils, from Ysgol Gwaenynog on Gwaenynog Road, were distraught earlier this summer when crooks broke in and stole their playhouse, but now Deeside firm Brothers Fencing have offered to step in with a custom-made replacement.

"It’s a very generous gesture and we’re very, very grateful to them for providing it" said headteacher Linda Linaker.

"The children here will have a wonderful time when they get back using the new house for all sorts of school activities, such as role-playing and themed activities."

Thieves has stolen the school’s original playhouse last month, leading to parents, local politicians and teachers appealing in Your Vale for the culprits to come forward.

Officers from North Wales Police found the playhouse several days later hidden in a dingle just yards from the school, but had been left damaged by the thieves.

Issues had also been raised over the security of the playhouse, after it was indicated that thieves had simply picked it up and removed it from school premises.

"The new one is not something that can simply be carried away, like the last one. It’s been custom-built for the job and will be firmly secured down. It won’t be in the same location as the last one, and we’re just making preparations at the moment for it to be installed" added Mrs Linaker.

Brothers Fencing, who are behind the new playhouse, say they offered to donate the new playhouse after reading about the theft and about Gwaenynog pupil Luke Holt, previously featured in Your Vale after having a series of operations to correct a cyst on his brain.

The firm have a history of making donations to local communities across the region, and are constructing the a 6x4ft timber playhouse for the school.

"It’s not about the publicity for our own firm - we make donations like these because we want to help support the local communities, especially when they’ve been through tough times" said Phil Hughes, co-owner of the firm.

"It’s nice to be able to give something back, and the great thing about this new playhouse is that because of its construction, people won’t just be able to walk away with it."

Ysgol Gwaenynog confirmed the playhouse will be installed on its premises at the beginning of its next term on September 1st.