A COMPANY boss has slammed a man who scaled his 300ft chimney -- and threatened to sue anyone who tries to follow in his footsteps.

Peter Turner, joint managing director of Brookhouse Holdings, based at India Mill, Darwen, said that anyone found on the premises without an appropriate reason would be reported, in a bid to stop anything similar happening again.

The warning came four days after John Gray, of Tythebarn Street, Darwen, scaled the chimney for a bet and got stuck on a ledge 20 feet from the ground.

He climbed 50 feet on to a roof and then pulled down some ladders attached to the chimney to climb the rest of the way, in what he said was a charity stunt to raise money for Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool.

Police and fire crews said he had been stupid and put his and other people's lives at risk.

But Mr Turner said he was amazed that Mr Gray was not charged by the police.

He said: "The only reason he was able to get up the chimney was because he was able to get up ladders on the side which were being used by workmen. We are currently having surveys done on the lightning conductor.

"The workers were not able to complete the work until next week so the ladders were still in place.

"The man has climbed up a stone face to get on to the roof of India Mill.

"He could then reach the ladders.

"We have now had the bottom rung of ladders removed until the workmen come back.

"Anyone coming on the premises will now be prosecuted. I don't care whether it is for charity or not.

"We are a company that cares about people and this was a very dangerous thing to do. It just isn't safe.

"If he had fallen, imagine the problems I would have had with the health and safety.

"When you get up there at 300 feet, the wind blows like gale force and he could easily have been blown off.

"So we have to get the message across that anyone intending to repeat this incident will be prosecuted."

Chief Inspector Pete Broome of Blackburn Police, said: "This man was not prosecuted because it was deemed not to be in the public interest to do so, following the severe warning which he received about his future conduct.

"I would also say that, in my view, the public ridicule he has been subject to following his incredibly stupid actions would also act as a deterrent to anyone considering doing anything similar.

"A civil action for trespass is something we would not object to and is perfectly within the rights of the property owner and his solicitors."