SECURITY cameras are set to protect one of East Lancashire's best-known art galleries and the collection of world famous Tiffany glass it houses.

Windows will also be covered with polycarbonate sheeting at the Haworth Art Gallery in Manchester Road, Accrington, and yew hedges planted to make it harder for vandals to get at vulnerable parts of the building.

The centre, which was built to be used as a private house in the early 1900s before being donated to the people of Accrington, has become a target for vandals during a £300,000 refit.

It has also been hit by burglars in recent years.

The refit, which includes creating more educational facilities, improving disabled access and opening a cafe, is being partly funded by the National Lottery and partly by a private benefactor who has asked to remain anonymous.

The gallery is home to one of the world's best collections of Tiffany Glass.

Accrington's connection with Tiffany glass began in 1891, when Joseph Briggs left, aged 17, to begin a career in the United States.

Mr Briggs joined the Tiffany glass company and eventually became its president. He raised a family in New Jersey and left the collection to his home town.

Recent problems at the gallery have included vandals smashing windows and thieves even snatching stone carvings.

Now councillors sitting on Hyndburn's development services committee will be asked to approve a plan for two CCTV cameras, mounted on five-metre poles on the building.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Council said: "The installation of CCTV cameras are part of the security measures included as part of the refurbishment programme.

"The gallery has been subject to a great deal of vandalism before and during the refurbishment, particularly involving damage to the windows. As part of the package of measures to protect the gallery, two CCTV cameras are proposed.

"Other initiatives include protecting windows with polycarbonate sheeting and planting a yew hedge in the grounds to protect the building."

Despite the fact the building is set within a conservation area, councillors have been minded to approve the application.

A spokesman added: "The poles will be painted black and will look like lamp posts. They will be positioned about 12m and 17m away from the building itself."

Council chiefs are currently sweating on a new lottery bid for extra cash after additional costs were incurred during the renovation. Some £50,000 is being sought.

The benefactor may also be approached again.

Speaking about the vandalism, Baxenden councillor John Griffiths said: "I find a an absolute disgrace. It is part of our heritage and people should be proud of it, not destroying it.

"Hopefully, the money will be in place in some way or another so the place can reopen soon."