Paving stones theft leaves villagers stunned

Stones were taken from in front of a bench opposite the Limekiln Café at Dobcross

Villagers are furious following a callous theft of paving stones near a seat at a popular resting place.

The stones were taken from in front of a bench opposite the Limekiln Café at Dobcross, bringing angry responses from locals who feared a return of  thieves who stole paving stones from two churches last year.

They reported heavy duty tyre marks and evidence a vehicle had grounded and had to be dug out at the scene at Limekiln. The raiders left their spade behind.

Last year church leaders and the community’s spiritual leader talked of “anger and dismay” after the thefts of paving stones from the hallowed ground at Saddleworth Parish Church, Uppermill, and Kilngreen, Diggle.

There is no suggestion the theft at Dobcross is linked, but the thieves' actions were attacked on social media. 

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