COUNTY council staff are being blamed for thousands of pounds-worth of damage and thefts at their historic headquarters.

Now a memo has been issued to all employees of Lancashire County Council, pleading with them to help preserve County Hall for future generations.

And staff are also being urged to report anyone they see defacing, damaging or just blatantly stealing at the building in Preston.

The memo, printed in a staff magazine, claims a mixture of carelessness and wanton vandalism is costing the authority thousands of pounds every year.

A spokesman confirmed: "The problems are not being caused by the public."

County Council staff across Lancashire received the magazine, as many of them will use County Hall even if they are not permanently based there.

The building is the base for services such as education and the council serves the majority of people living in the county.

In one incident alone, more than £1,000-worth of damage was caused when a specially engraved mirror in the Christ Church precinct of County Hall -- where many of the support services for councillors are based -- was smashed to pieces.

Other incidents include biro marks on walls, removal of fire signs, defacing of direction signs, chewing gum being stuck on ceilings and even the theft of radiator valve covers and tap tops.

One member of staff has also taken to sticking yoghurt pot lids to bannister rails.

Other incidents include chunks being kicked out of walls and doors. Building staff are now considering fitting steel plates to vulnerable areas.

John Raven, head of property at Lancashire County Council, said: "Most staff do appreciate their office environment but I appeal to all employees to exercise care and treat it with respect. People should be proud to work in such a prestigious environment.

"If staff see anyone causing malicious damage, they should inform us immediately."

A spokesman for the county council said: "It is important that we preserve the building. It is mainly a problem within County Hall, but we have informed all staff as it is used by many of them.

"Some problems are accidental, some of it is wanton and we do want to put a stop to it. It is not being caused by the public. A lot of it is only very minor, such as bumping trolleys into doors, but some is more serious."

Leader Hazel Harding said: "We are very proud of County Hall, but we want it to be there for everybody, especially the public part. We allow many people to use County Hall, staff and public included, but we need help to keep it the way it is. I cannot think why anybody would want to steal radiator parts or tap tops. They aren't ornate."

Coun Tony Martin, a Burnley county councillor, added: "People need to remember this building is meant for everyone.

"It is a historic building and needs to be kept in good order. Day-to-day wear and tear is one thing but graffiti is not on."

Steve Kirby, branch health and safety secretary for the main union at County Hall, Unison, said: "Damage to property does not just cost money, it can also affect the safety of the staff and public."