STAFF at the Blackburn and District Women's Centre may be forced to turn away disabled women because vandals have stolen the centre's wheelchair ramps.

The centre, in Wellington Street, has been targeted three times by vandals in the last two months.

In one attack, they took two ornamental chimney pots - complete with soil and flowers - while on another they climbed over a 6ft wall and stole the wheelchair ramps.

In the most recent attack, the front window of the centre was smashed, leaving the charity with a bill to replace the reinforced double glazing.

Charity workers at the centre, which must raise funds for all its services, have been left counting the cost of the damage.

The wheelchair ramps, which were 4ft long but could extend to 12ft, alone will cost around £450 to replace.

Outreach co-ordinator Sue Skillings said: "We are very disappointed really.

"We don't necessarily feel targeted, as these things have happened over a period of time, but it does make us feel a little bit vulnerable, being a registered charity.

"Although we do not have that many wheelchair users, it does mean that if someone wanted to access our services we would have to lift them into the centre, which raises all sorts of health and safety issues, and it would probably not be a good idea.

"Without resorting to that, it would mean that we would have to turn somebody away, which would be the last thing we would want to do."

The centre, which offers free counselling, advice, personal development training and outreach work for women in Blackburn and the surrounding area, is manned almost exclusively by volunteers.

Staff are appealing for anyone who may have wheelchair ramps which they are not using and could donate them, or loan them, to contact them.

If you could help, or would like to send a donation, telephone 01254 583032.