Hunt launched for Gawthorpe Hall vandals

11:34pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds damage to Gawthorpe Hall by smashing win-dows and stealing lead piping.

Police are stepping up patrols at the stately hall, in Padiham, after vandals smashed 16 window panes at the 400-year-old Elizab-ethan house since the start of April, resulting in at least £2,500 damage.

Around 20 metres of lead piping has also been pulled off the walls of the three- storey home, which is open to the public for visits, over the last few weeks.

It is believed the damage has been caused by youngsters who gather and drink at the hall on Friday and Saturday nights after caretakers found beer cans in the grounds.

Museum staff said they were concerned the drain piping might potentially lead to damp problems.

The building, owned by the National Trust but leased out to Lancashire County Council on a long- term basis, already has security guards to patrol its perimeter, but extra police patrols will now be introduced.

Specialist tradesmen will have to be employed to fix the windows at the hall, which houses a unique collection of textiles and costume from all over the world, together with paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.

The damage started at the beginning of April when two 5metre lengths of piping were removed.

Nine different panes were smashed in five windows last weekend. Before then, seven panes had been smashed in a further two windows. Vandals have also damaged plants and rose bushes in the rose garden, next to the hall.

The garden, funded with money from Padiham Life, was planted last December.

Susan Liddell, the county council's museums man-ager south, said the county council would have to pay for the replacement windows and piping.

She said: "There has been damage to the hall over the last couple of weeks. At some points we were having one incident a night.

"We do have a problem with kids gathering at the hall and drinking on the grounds. It is such a shame that someone has done this to such a wonderful asset to the community."

Nick Brooks, property manager for the National Trust, which helps run the home, said: "We are disappointed with the vandalism that has been occurring over the last few weeks. Naturally we hope it will stop because the house is an important part of the history of the town."

Police said they are investigating the thefts and have appealed for witnesses to come forward with information.

Sgt Phil Carter, of Burnley police, said: "We are appeal-ing for anyone who witness-ed the damage, or with information, to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers, in confid-ence, on 0800 555111.