Thieves target park

PARK bosses are reviewing security arrangements at Alexandra Park after lead thieves struck for a third time.

The latest incident of lead stripping from the roof of the refurbished Lion’s Den happened as a specialist team prepared to repair damage caused in the previous attack.

It was first targeted in April, when the repair bill reached £7,000.

Steve Smith, head of parks and open spaces, said it will cost the same again to restore it once more, but the lead would now be replaced with an alternative material.

The dilapidated Lion’s Den was restored to its former glory as part of a £3.6 million Lottery-funded restoration of the park four years ago. Heritage Lottery Fund rules say it has to be maintained.

Mr Smith said he suspected thieves had a key to park gates and had driven a vehicle in to tow away their ill-gotten gains.

He said: “Lead is very heavy. They wouldn’t have been able to strip it and carry it away quickly without a vehicle.

“The fact that thieves have been three times smacks of organised crime. Whoever is accepting the lead must know it’s stolen.

“It’s a national problem, and we will be reviewing security arrangements in the park to try and stop it.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.