COUNCIL bosses are looking into moving a pay and display machine that was giving burglars a stepping stone into a roofing firm's yard.

The owners of Wasp Roofing Supplies, Weir Street, Blackburn, said that the council's lack of thought had directly led to burglars striking three times since early September.

The business moved into the former storage yard for empty gas cylinders, which is surrounded by an 18ft brick wall, this summer.

However, the pay and display machine was installed by Blackburn with Darwen council at a low point in the perimeter wall.

An electricity box on one side of the machine and a pay and display sign on the other created a series of steps to the top of the wall and access to the yard.

The council said it is now reviewing its location and looking at other suitable sites.

Sayyed Osman, assistant director of regeneration for Blackburn with Darwen, said: "Some additional security measures have been taken and we are looking at the possibility of re-siting the pay and display machine. We will know more in the near future."

Shaun Lacey, a partner in the roofing firm said he was unaware of any action the council had taken and had not spoken to anyone from the council since the issue was highlighted in The Lancashire Evening Telegraph ten days ago.

He said: "The council have not yet replied to our requests to move the machine so we are having to install more security to make the yard safe.

"We are now putting up security cameras and razor wire.

"We are not bothered about the cost just as long as it keeps the burglars out."