MEMBERS of a Whitefield church have appealed to the community to be vigilant in a bid to end a 20-year catalogue of vandalism.

The Whitefield and Prestwich Spiritualist Church in Victoria Avenue has been targeted by yobs who have smashed windows, sprayed offensive graffiti on the doors and walls, stolen roof tiles and set fire to the building.

Visitors to the twice-weekly services also claim they have suffered verbal abuse from passers-by about their religion.

Secretary of the spiritualist church, Sheila Kirkham, said: "A lot of people think the centre is a joke but it is a real religion and a place of worship. It should be respected by everyone. What is happening is disgraceful."

Ms Kirkham said visitors to the church had had their cars damaged and she told how one day she turned up to discover all the roof tiles were missing.

On another occasion, she arrived to see the building on fire after someone threw a firework.

President Mrs Doreen Hodkinson said the vandalism had been "on and off" for 20 years. She said: "We are frightened of losing our congregation. Some people won't come because of the trouble. It has got to the stage where people are frightened to death. Personally, I have become a bit hardened to it but I can understand how it makes people nervous."

Mrs Hodkinson said the members were trying to improve the building, but as soon as they replace glass in the windows, youngsters smash them again with golf clubs or stones.

She added: "We have reported incidents to the police but would like them to come a bit more as a deterrent. I would also like parents to know what their children are doing. However, one woman shouted 'Is there anybody there?'" to me in front of her child, so they are not learning any better from their parents."

Ms Kirkham raised the concerns at Monday's (Sept 13) meeting of the Whitefield and Unsworth area board.

Inspector David Jones, head of Prestwich and Whitefield Township, said in response that he did not realise the building was still being used after being told several years ago that the congregation was moving.

However, after looking into the problem, he said: "We have been in contact with members of the congregation and arranged to carry out a crime prevention survey. We will be giving the church some advice about measures that we hope will alleviate the damage."

Anyone who witnesses vandalism to the building can contact Insp Jones in confidence on 0161 856 8201.