A SOUTHAMPTON pre-school blighted by repeated arson attacks can now look forward to a secure future.

After hearing of the plight of the Squirrels Corner pre-school in the Moorlands Centre, Townhill Way, kind-hearted security bosses donated a state-of-the-art security system.

The popular pre-school was forced to close twice after arsonists struck, causing tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.

Now Croma Security Systems, based in Whiteley, has installed a system to deter future vandals.

It features three smoke alarms, a heat detector, CCTV cameras and a communication and monitoring station with direct links to the emergency services.

The donation is the latest gesture by the community rallying round on behalf of the children and eight staff.

As previously reported, the pre-school was forced to close temporarily in June after someone set alight a vent leading to the store room where equipment, toys and furniture were kept.

The attack came just two weeks after the nursery reopened following an arson attack in April.

The first blaze led to a £30,000 clear-up bill and the pre-school closed with staff and children temporarily moved to a nearby children’s centre.

It disrupted many of the 42 children on roll who were preparing to make the transition to school this month.