A school has installed electronic gates, an intercom system and 24 hour CCTV cameras, amid fears over crime and pupil safety.
The previous gates at Holy Trinity Primary School, in Beridge Road, Halstead, were allegedly damaged when a refuse truck reversed into them in July last year.
After a long dispute with insurers was finally settled in December, the gates have now been replaced, while the school’s security has also been upgraded.
Video intercom systems have been put at both the main and side gates and CCTV cameras will now monitor everyone who goes in and out of the school 24 hours a day.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Jon Smith said: “I know to some that this may seem excessive, but unfortunately schools are not immune from crime."
Ferg Ranson has been a governor at St Peter’s Primary School in Sible Hedingham for 20 years, where similar measures have been introduced.
He said: “Personally, I think it's a shame.
”It makes it look a bit like a prison camp, but we have to be seen to be safeguarding the children.”
See the Gazette for the full story
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