AN ABANDONED car left near a primary school's gate in Warminster has been branded dangerous after it was set ablaze on Monday, November 27.

The burnt-out shell of the car near the gates of Princecroft Primary School has become a major concern for teachers and parents who feel the broken glass and metal is a hazard.

The shell of a second smashed-up car has also been left abandoned for several months at the Masefield Road end of a footpath leading to the school, which is a popular route for pupils.

Deputy headteacher Ros Harrison believes the unsightly mess surrounding the school is not sending a good message to the pupils.

She said: "There is just this awful burnt-out car outside the school which was set on fire, making it even more of a danger. It has been there for more than two weeks now but someone set it alight one night this week.

"It is potentially very dangerous and needs to be sorted out quickly before something happens.

"We are more angry with the people who dump them in the first place as it is irresponsible and they have not got any concern for the children's well-being.

She added: "It is inevitable that children will take an interest in the cars when they are so close to the school.

"It is a very bad message for our children having to walk past all the mess, particularly because we won a prize from the mayor for having kept our school grounds the tidiest in the town earlier this year."

The school has already contacted West Wiltshire District Council to try and get the cars removed is are still waiting for an official response.

There has been a spate of incidents involving burnt-out cars in Warminster and Westbury with a stolen car being set alight in Longleat Forest a few months ago.

l Three Princecroft pupils went to London on Wednesday after winning the regional heat of a Department for Education and Employment competition for playwriting.