BATTERED East Lancashire Sailing Club is counting the cost of wrecking attacks.

The club, beside Rishton Reservoir off Blackburn Road, has been hit by a spate of vandalism and shed break-ins.

An immobilised safety boat moored in the middle of the reservoir had its canvas cover slashed from end to end with a knife.

The boat's engine cover was also taken off and thrown into the lake.

Three sheds have been broken into and graffiti daubed on the front of the clubhouse.

One of the sheds, used as a workshop, was ransacked on Monday.

Three double-glazed units being stored were smashed and paint tins turned upside down.

One canoe is missing and another was wrecked.

Club treasurer George Liddle said: "It's been a sustained attack of vandalism."

The club suspects the vandals may have come from Cut Wood Park along the edge of the reservoir where the water level is down because of drought.

Mr Liddle said: "It started a week ago with kids coming to help themselves to boats and sailboards to go on the reservoir and it gradually got worse."

The damage attacks, which began on Friday, are being investigated by police and anyone with information should contact Accrington police on 382141. The bill to replace lost items will be at least £500, with the cost of putting right the damaged sheds in addition.

A bungalow beside the sailing club was also burgled on Monday and a gold watch and jewellery, worth hundreds of pounds, stolen.

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