A COUNCILLOR has called for a greater police presence at a local school to prevent vandalism.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephen Jones says that when he called police to report gangs of youths at Harrowgate Hill Junior School, in Darlington, there was no response.

On two occasions, Coun Jones said he called police to report the youths throwing stones and kicking balls against the school windows.

He is worried the vandals have no fear of reprisals from police because on one occasion the youths returned to the school grounds after he had threatened them with action.

Coun Jones said: "When I told them I was calling the police, they just shouted back 'They won't come'.

"I waited and waited and the police never came. Even if I had got a phone call back from the police that would have been something."

"When the school replaces windows, this is money that could have been spent on the kids."

He has now written a letter to the Chief Constable outlining his concerns.

John Warburton, headteacher at Harrowgate Hill school, said during a spate of vandalism earlier in the year, the police had been supportive.

He said: "I think one of the problems we had was when the police were reorganising their areas and there was some confusion about who was responsible for what.

"We've got building work going on on-site now and, touch wood, there has not been a deal of trouble."

Coun Jones expressed concern that the vandalism may be pushing up insurance costs, but Mr Warburton said although there had been a slight increase in the premium it was not significant.

Inspector Billy Hugill, of Darlington police, said he was unable to comment on individual complaints but he was aware there had been a problems with vandalism at a number of Darlington schools.

He said: "We have operations ongoing to try and solve the problems. We are also aware of the fact that the school holidays are approaching and the schools will be slightly more vulnerable, so there will be extra patrols around the schools."