THOUSANDS of pounds are to be spent on security measures to stop wreckers vandalising an historic Pendle Church under plans to go before councillors next month.

The Vicar of Colne, the Rev Peter Mott, has applied to Pendle Council for planning permission to install plastic security glazing over nine windows at Colne Parish Church and put up a security cage at the back of the 900-year-old building to protect steps down to the boiler house.

The scheme follows a string of vandal attacks at the church which has left the congregation with a bill of thousands of pounds. Only last week two windows were broken by stones.

The polycarbonate glazing will protect the windows at the front of the church and several at the back not already covered.

The cage will stop drug users and vandals using the steps. Mr Mott said he had discovered used needles on the steps on several occasions. It will also prevent people from falling down the steps accidentally in the dark.

"The scheme will cost £6,000 which we haven't got," said Mr Mott. "Together with other expenses we will be looking to raise £12,000 again this year like we had to last year.

"The security cage will hardly be visible except for people living at the top of the flats behind the church. The glazing will protect the windows, mainly those at the front of the church."

Mr Mott said the cost of security measures at the church was an added burden on top of the annual running expenses.

The planning application is due to be discussed by the council's Colne area committee on February 4.

The church dates back to the 1100s, although much of it was re-built in 1515. It is one of only three Grade I listed buildings in Pendle, the others being Bracewell and St Mary-le-Ghyll churches, Barnoldswick.

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