Fundraising effort in full force after oil theft from tiny Banburyshire school leaves pupils in the cold

A group of parents has rallied round and created a Just Giving fundraising page to help the cash-strapped school pay for a replacement delivery.

South Newington parish councillor Vanessa Doyle, who has a child at the school, said the tank had been filled with 2,000 litres of kerosene only in December and the theft has caused the heating system to break.

"We're not sure when it happened but on Friday morning someone noticed that the oil cap had been disturbed. The fuel must have been taken when the school was empty over the weekend. It was discovered and reported on Monday. There was another theft from a tank at a property in Little Tew the same weekend," she said.

"As the school is open for children of key workers' and vulnerable youngsters with the building being old and the temperature so low, it was like an ice box when the headmistress arrived to open up on Monday morning. Even more sadly, this has led to the heating system breaking and an emergency plumber being called - a horrible unplanned expense."

The parents' Just Giving page is here and shows how the community has rallied round to pay for a replacement tank of oil.

The page says: "Like all charities, our little school has had its fundraising hit really hard over the last year. This is the very last thing that we need let alone the impact that its had on the staff and children - already admirably keeping smiles on their faces.

"Lots of parents and people within the community have asked how to donate and help so here we are. We really do understand that this is a tough time for so many but if you can and would like to help our little school make up for its losses it would be incredible.

"We are looking to replace our losses, secure our tank against future threats, cover the plumber and if by any crazy chance any is left we will pop it into our outdoor playground pot."

A property in nearly Little Tew also had oil stolen from its tank over the same period of time.

A police spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police is investigating the theft of a large quantity of fuel oil from Great Tew Primary School near Chipping Norton.

"It occurred at some stage between January 27 - 29 and was reported to the force on Monday.

"Anyone with any information, or has been offered a quantity of fuel, is urged to call 101, quoting reference 43210043282 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111."