ACTION must be taken to stop flagstones being lifted in a conservation area, a councillor has said.

Parts of the Revidge area of Blackburn have been ‘destroyed’ by the thefts of York slabs, which are vital for maintaining the heritage of the area, Cllr Arshid Mahmood said.

In the latest attack in Cranborne Terrace two stones – worth around £50 each – were taken overnight between February 9 and February 10.

Nathan Damour, who lives in the street, said: “A lot of the heritage is gradually disappearing and making the area not look bad.

“It is a big concern and it is really frustrating.”

The 46-year-old said several streets in the area had been targeted over the past 12 months.

He said: “It is a shame because these streets were really nice, but now the stones have been lifted there are just black spaces.

“It looks as if somebody has selectively taken certain stones is the street. It is almost as if they have been stolen to order.”

“I just cannot get my head around it.”

Cllr Mahmood, who represents Corporation Park on Blackburn with Darwen Council and is also a member of the Revidge Community Association, said it was “upsetting” to see the holes left by the thefts. He said: “Revidge is a lovely area and these historic stones bring real character to it, hence why it is protected.

“We have had a spate of these thefts over a number of months now and the police have been actively involved.

“I have also been seeing what we can do from the council’s side of things.

“The situation is getting really bad and it just destroys the character that this ward is known for.

“Unfortunately, we have just been left with holes and it is really sad to see. We need to do something to tackle this and I hope police find those responsible.”

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said the thefts had been reported at an investigation was underway.

She said: “Sometime between 7pm on February 9 and 9am the following day, unknown offenders entered the street and lifted a number of York flagstones.

“We are making inquiries and we would encourage anybody with information to come forward.”

Anybody with information that could help officers with their investigation should call police on 101 quoting log number 412 of February 10 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.