EMPTY vodka bottles, tobacco, lighters and a smashed greenhouse greeted Cockenzie Primary School teachers after the weekend as another wave of vandalism and anti-social behaviour hit the school.

Acting headteacher Debbie Mercer has reported a substantial amount of damage to the outside furniture, bird boxes and bird tables, as well as empty or smashed alcohol bottles and cigarettes.

Ms Mercer said: “We’ve had to throw out some of the picnic tables as bits have been ripped off and there are burn holes in them; our greenhouse, which was made out of reused water and juice bottles, has had the door ripped off.

“Our janitor has to be quick off the mark on Monday mornings now to make sure there is a thorough clean of the area. We can’t use the greenhouse, not as many children can have lunch outside as we’ve had to get rid of tables – it’s having a real impact.

“We fundraise for things here and they are just getting ruined.”

Although there is currently no CCTV covering the playground, Ms Mercer said that this was something East Lothian Council was seriously considering in a bid to deal with the problem.

She added: “I don’t think we’re deliberately targeted.

"Our playground is secluded, private. There are no neighbours who can look in. It’s the perfect place for people to drink and not be seen.

“It’s really disappointing and we’re just hoping to raise awareness in the community of what’s been happening.”

The incidents have been reported to Police Scotland, who released a statement asking anyone with any information to either email prestonsetonCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk quoting incident number 1322 of September 21, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.