POLICE patrols have been stepped up after alcohol-fuelled teenagers caused extensive damage to a shelter built to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War One.
The shelter in Memorial Park, Great Harwood, was targeted last Friday night by a gang of around 40 thugs believed to be from the Great Harwood, Rishton, Clayton-le Moors and Altham areas.
A wall was knocked down and bricks were thrown at the roof, damaging tiles, guttering and downspouts.
Now officers will be carrying out regular patrols of the park during the day and evening throughout the school holidays.
PCSO Kath Stretton, of Great Harwood Police, said: "We are extremely disheartened by this mindless vandalism.
"We believe alcohol is a factor and we are very disappointed that in many cases it is being provided by adults. This not acceptable.
"We strongly urge parents to take responsibility and be aware of where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Police will deal robustly with any instances of disorder, nuisance, damage or under-age drinking. Our inquiries continue to find out who was responsible for this despicable offence."
Ian Wilkinson, chairman of the Friends of Memorial Park, was disgusted by the damage caused.
He said: "The gang was running rampage in the park. The whole area was littered with cans and cider bottles.
"There has been other vandalism in the town recently, but the problem of under-age drinking is not just a problem in Great Harwood, it’s a national problem.
"The plan is to work with the council to get the shelter restored. We won’t give up. We will just have to find a way to put it back together again."
The shelter – known locally as the budgie hut because of its former use as an aviary – was built in the 1920s by the women of Great Harwood as a memorial to those who died in the Great War of 1914-1918.
However, just over 18 months ago the hut was burned down in another vandalism attack.
Insurance money and cash from Hyndburn Council paid for its renovation.
Netherton ward councillor Lynn Wilson, chairman of Great Harwood Area Council, said: "I was appalled when I heard about the damage.
"I have been up and had a look and I am disappointed and disillusioned. For anyone to get a thrill out of kicking a memorial down is unbelievable.Vandalism like this really knocks people back."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 125 3545 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
