ROUND-the-clock surveillance could be introduced at a war memorial after councillors heard how juveniles had vandalised the tribute and set Remembrance Day wreaths on fire.

Vandalism in the Memorial Gardens, off Manchester Road, Haslingden, has forced Rossendale Borough Council to take action.

In recent weeks vandals have snapped a metal bayonet and damaged a granite plinth, while poppy wreaths left by those paying their respects were set on fire following Remembrance Day last year.

The Royal British Legion in Haslingden expressed their concerns to the council and provided a report outlining what they believe could be done to prevent further damage.

Recommendations include replacing a soldier's bayonet with a plastic or wooden one, a 24-hour security camera and floodlighting.

President of he Royal British Legion Graham Woodcock CBE said that the damage was 'unbelievable.'

The council has agreed to repair the granite and gilding, install floodlighting and produce wooden bayonets for the statue. A feasibility study into the provision of a 24 hour security camera will be carried out.

At a meeting of Rossendale Borough Council's corporate policy committee, Coun George Lee said: "I would like to see the lighting upgraded and a feasibility study into the placing of a security camera to ensure that the memorial receives the level of respect it deserves in our community."

Coun Lee said that the council having to contemplate such measures was a "sad indictment" of Haslingden.

The overall cost of carrying out the work is thought to be in the region of £4,000. The money will be made available through the council's Greenfield Trust, which has in the past been used for the repair and maintenance of the memorial.