THE safety of children at a Gwent primary school is being threatened by the dumping of dangerous rubbish in their play yard, their local councillor says.

Empty gas bottles and car bumpers are among the items that were thrown over a perimeter fence and into Blackwood Primary School this week.

It is the second time in as many weeks that refuse has been dumped at the school. More than a tonne of litter including window frames, cupboards and drainpipes had to be cleared by the ground maintenance staff at Caerphilly county borough council over the recent half-term break.

The rubbish is being dumped in a part of the school grounds where pupils and staff are trying to establish a nature garden.

Acting caretaker Delwyn Davies, who is also the mayor of Blackwood town council and the vice-chairman of governors at the school, said: "I don't think the people who are doing this have any consideration for the children at all - it is just completely mindless.

"We are spending a lot of money at the school on creating a nice environment for the children but as quick as we can clear the rubbish and mess it is being dumped here again.

"We are not happy about it at all." Blackwood councillor Darren Jones said: "It really is distressing when people treat our local school like this. "These individuals, who must be local, should realise the health risks they are subjecting our children to.

"Our council enforcement officers have the power to issue on the spot fines and initiate court action.

" This must stop now." Caerphilly council is currently lobbying the National Assembly to allow local authorities to set the level of fines for fly-tipping and dog-fouling.

They want the current fine of £25 to be increased to £100. A spokesman said: "The council has delivered a clear message to the Assembly as part of a response to a consultation on proposed amendments to the level of fixed penalty fines."