Extra security after youths raid former school

PERSISTENT vandalism at a former primary school has forced Edinburgh council to increase the levels of security at the boarded-up building.

Last year, all the pupils from Curriehill Primary moved to Riccarton, which became Currie Primary.

But local Labour councillor Ricky Henderson said residents have reported that youths have been using the empty school as a drinking den.

It is thought that vandals who broke into the boarded-up building also turned on the heating system for a short time.

A council spokesman said: "Due to persistent vandalism, we are increasing security at the building. When the former school was closed down and boarded up the central heating was switched off.

"Localised heating has been used over the last few days for health and safety purposes while contractors make the building secure again."