SECURITY is being introduced at a historic Blackburn building in a bid to thwart vandals.

The move came after a former museum worker told of her fears that the landmark of the town's industrial past was being left to go to "rack and ruin".

Vandals have targeted Griffin Lodge, off Griffin Street, which was once the home of cotton mill owner Thomas Dugdale.

It was also the home of the North West Museums Service but the grade II listed building has been left empty since April 2006 and has several smashed windows.

Foot-high weeds have grown in the courtyard outside the lodge, which dates back to 1824.

One former museum worker, who asked not to be named, said she was worried the site, next to Griffin Park Primary School, had been forgotten. She said: "It would be a real shame if a building like this was allowed to deteriorate. Someone should at least deal with the weeds in the courtyard as they look a real mess."

She said the ageing building would suffer from problems with damp if it was not properly maintained.

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods said: "The council is looking at options for its long-term use.

"However, in the meantime, building will be subject to security which should bring an end to vandalism."