AN HISTORIC woodland gatehouse has been vandalised by lead thieves months after being restored.

Tiles were ripped off the Potters Gate entrance to Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen, early on Wednesday morning, and the roof was damaged as vandals tried to get to the lead abutments.

They got away with a small amount from the back of the roof.

The 100-year-old building in Earnsdale Road was last year the subject of a campaign by Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood and Earnsdale Road residents to be restored to its former glory.

Work to completely retile the building, replace guttering, and paint wooden supporting pillars was completed five months ago by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Dennis Gillibrand, chairman of the Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood, said: “A couple who live near the entrance heard a noise at about 12.30am but couldn’t see anything.

“In the morning they woke up to see that the ridge tiles had been dismantled.

“It’s such a shame for everyone who’s worked hard on getting the gatehouse restored and who has looked after it.

“We had the work done about five or six months ago. It was in a poor state and a lot of work has gone into it, making it a lovely feature once again.

“There generally isn’t much vandalism in Sunnyhurst Wood, but this is upsetting.

“We think it’s not just people who have done it on a whim. They’ve wanted the lead.”

Work has now begun to repair the damage.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “This type of pointless vandalism is sad and spoils the park for everyone else.

“The Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood work tirelessly to improve this community asset for all visitors and we will be working with the police to identify the culprits.”

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Constabulary said officers were investigating and urged anyone with information to call 0845 1 25 35 45.

The gatehouse was a gift of John Charles Potter in memory of the years spent in Earnsdale by his family.

It leads down a flight of steps to the kiosk.