The co-owner of Rawtenstall Market is asking parents to speak to their children after the market’s roof was climbed on and damaged once again.
On Monday (June 26) it was reported that five boys of secondary school age, were seen climbing on and sliding down the market roof.
Dan Gregson, co-director of play market management, who took over the running of Rawtenstall Market in 2021, says the children may be unaware of the damage they are causing.
He said: “We understand that around five young boys, of secondary school age, climbed up the side of one of our street food stalls.
“They ripped off the anti-vandal spikes and damaged the stall. From there they have accessed the main roof, where slates are slipping.”
A street food venue, that is being leaked on as a result of the damage, must remain closed until the roof membrane can be repaired.
Dan said it is not the first time children have climbed on the roof.
He said: “We have kids on the roof all of the time and have installed deterrents, such as plastic spikes, to try and keep them off.
“The next step is to get some anti-vandal paint on it now.
“Every time they walk on the roof the slates get even more damaged. Because it is such a big roof we don’t have the money to repair it.
“The timber part of the roof is rotting now and water drips down into the market hall, damaging some of the traders’ stalls and stock.”
Dan estimates that it will cost £140,000 to completely repair the roof.
He said: “The building was never built to be a market and we have done well to keep it alive for so long, it is holding on by the skin of its teeth.
“The damage like this happens and it really sets us back. We will now be dedicating our week to fixing this when we have a big event at the end of the week we should be preparing for.
“We are set to receive part of the Levelling Up funding starting next spring but in the meantime we have 10 months where we have to make sure the building stays operational and so businesses who trade with us don’t lose income.”
Dan said the market, which dates back to 1906, could be lost if people don’t start taking care of it.
He said: “The attitude [of those who damaged the market roof] is so disappointing as the market is popular for other teenagers in the area. It really has become a staple in the community.
“It is a space that needs to be preserved but that can only work if the whole community works towards it.
“It would be so easy to lose it if it weren’t for the really strong team behind it.
“I want to encourage parents in the area to check where their kids are and what they are getting up to.
“Our aim is not to reprimand these kids but they need to know the impact of their actions and how they are damaging the area
“It Is a shame that we have to shine a light on this negativity when the market is such a positive place.”
Lancashire Police has been approached for comment.
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