FEARS that copycat vandals could destroy another Atherton landmark mean the town's cemetery lodge is now up for sale.

"We don't want another Briarcroft situation," admitted a Council spokesman.

"The lodge is no longer needed for cemetery management and it has been boarded-up following vandalism. A covenant that is should be used in connection with the cemetery will have to be lifted."

Meanwhile the Council has agreed to acquire the nearby former Briarcroft Youth Centre, recently gutted by arsonists, from British Coal and aims to demolish the building.

And Mountwood - initially known as Woodend, a purpose-built Hag Fold home for young offenders - is being sold.

An offer from a care organisation has been accepted for Green Belt-sited Mountwood no longer needed by the Council's social services or education departments.

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