A BLACKBURN chapel has been consistently targeted by vandals.

Since the start of the school holidays, serious damage has been caused to the Bethesda Chapel in Shakespeare Way, Bank Top.

Church members say they are fed up having to replace broken windows and smashed slates but do not know what they can do to stop it.

Chapel secretary Arthur Bakewell said although there had been vandalism at the chapel in the past, the problem had got worse since the beginning of the school summer break.

"We were called out because 20-odd slates had been ripped off the roof and thrown onto the ground. They all needed replacing," he said.

"They have smashed windows, smashed the glass on the front door with a hammer and an air rifle. We have got a hammer that has come through one of the windows at the back. "They have been hammering at the door handles and damaged the edge of the entrance steps."

Mr Bakewell said although the windows were not made of stained glass, they were double-glazed and costly to replace.

"Some have had to be replaced two or three times. It is expensive and time-consuming."

Mr Bakewell said although the chapel was used several times a week, nobody had ever seen any of the damage being done.

"The police are very sympathetic and have said they will have a walk round but they have got other things to do," he said.

A series of special meetings for young people is being organised at the chapel with the aim of giving local youngsters something to do.

The chapel, whose members describe themselves as Christian open brethren, has around 80 members. They have been based at the building in Shakespeare Way for the last 18 years.

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