Pre-School manager Donna Brazier with Victoria, 2, who is disabled.
Thieves stole two Disabled Access ramps bought for Hartlip Pre-School

by Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Ramps used by a disabled child to get around a pre-school have been stolen by metal thieves.

Two-year-old Victoria, whose arms have not fully developed, relies on the equipment to help her get up and down the stairs safely when she attends Hartlip Pre-School which operates from the village hall, based in The Street.

But the tot's aids were snatched after the culprits forced the padlocks of two outside sheds.

The committee-run school, which fundraises to cover its annual operating costs of between £5,000 and £10,000, says replacing the ramps is a priority but despite being insured it will probably have to foot the bill.

Manager Donna Brazier said: “Victoria comes to us two days a week and it’s safer for her to use the ramps because she cannot save herself is she falls down the stairs. She’s also more confident using them.

“We want to replace them as soon as possible, it’s our top priority. They cost about £100 each. We are insured, but the excess is £100 so we’re trying to decide if it’s worth claiming.

“Our administrator is currently looking through the catalogues to see what ones are available because they need to be able to fold down for us to store them.

“I am angry because we could have spent the money on toys or Christmas entertainment but we will have to spend it on new ramps. We are short of money so £200 to us is a lot. It’s disappointing. At the end of the day it’s the children that will miss out.”

The break-in was reported to the village hall committee by an allotment holder who noticed one of the shed doors was wide open.

Due to the school holidays it’s unclear when the theft happened exactly, but it’s thought to have been some time between October 21 and 25.

Officers are appealing for anyone who might have seen anything, or anyone acting suspiciously, to contact them at Sittingbourne police station on 01795 419182, quoting crime reference CY/16800/11, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.