PRESTON'S cemetery has once again become the target for vandals, who have caused thousands of pounds-worth of damage to gravestones.

Eight monuments were defaced in the latest spree, which is just weeks after Preston council decided to close the toilets in the Miller Road cemetery after they had been wrecked by vandals.

Many of the headstones date back to before the turn of the century. They were up-rooted and then smashed into pieces.

Some are irreparable, while repairs to others are expected to cost more than £13,000.

Local youngsters on school holidays are being blamed for the latest round of damage at the graveyard - one of the biggest in Europe.

The attack has been slammed by Preston Borough Council, which runs the cemetery. A spokesman said: "We will probably never find out who did it or why they did it but we have been left picking up the pieces.

"We don't know if this latest attack is as a result of the holidays, but it is a possibility."

Local councillors are also angered by the attacks. Problems caused by youths on the site have escalated to the point where locals now fear for their safety and avoid walking near the graveyard at night.

Council leader Peter Rankin, who represents Ribbleton, said: "It is sad state of affairs when people can't even visit their dearly departed without discovering things like this."

Coun Albert Richardson, chairman of Preston's environment committee, added: "Parents need to take responsibility for their children and that includes knowing where their children are.

"I fear this will happen throughout the summer, across the town."

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