PARISHIONERS have condemned vandals who forced a priest to move out of his home after repeated attacks.

Father Philip Boast has abandoned his parish home a month early following the harassment from juveniles in Stacksteads.

Fr Boast was due to move to St Peter's in Newchurch next month but, according to friends, has left early because of the abuse.

In the most recent incident the priest was leaving St Joseph's Church, Stacksteads, after Mass when his car was pelted with stones.

Fr Boast, who was taking a parishioner home, was leaving his driveway in Huttock End Lane on Saturday, January 17, when he was attacked.

The incident left the front and side windows of the green Nissan Micra smashed and several dents in the car. Fr Boast and the passenger were badly shaken.

Other incidents have included juveniles running into church during Mass and windows of the church being smashed.

Life-long parishioner and Stacksteads councillor Michael McShea said yesterday: "Fr Boast was due to move next month, but because of all the problems he has been experiencing and out of concern for himself and his parishioners, he has decided to go early.

"The way he has been treated is absolutely appalling. You would think that a man of the cloth would deserve some respect, but that has been sadly lacking."

Police have been carrying out regular patrols in Stacksteads in a bid to clamp down on the juvenile nuisance.

Fr Boast was due to move to Newchurch after the early retirement, and subsequent death, of Fr Gerard Duffy.

The move is part of a major re-organisation of Roman Catholic parishes and deaneries. A number of parish closures and amalgamations are proposed as the number of parish priests reaches crisis point.

St Joseph's is expected to close, although no final decision has been made by the Bishop of Salford, the Rt Rev Terence Brain.

Fr Boast was unavailable for comment.