Vandals have smashed gravestones and demolished part of a wall adjoining Windleshaw Chantry within Hard Lane cemetery and the church now faces a bill of thousands of pounds to repair the damaged building.

The Star first reported on the desecration at the chantry, a Grade II listed building built by Sir Thomas Gerard in 1435, two years ago when ghoulish louts smashed a grave and dug up a skull.

Father Tom Gagie, parish priest of St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Dentons Green Lane, said: "We are trying to claim back our cemetery from groups of vandals and protect the site.

"It used to be a place of peace and rest. It's frustrating for us, but we have to do something, even for the sake of the vandals. What if they injure themselves near the old graves?"

Vandalism

Meanwhile, church secretary, Pat Fraser, said the vandalism was heartbreaking. "There has been desecration of graves for a long time, but you can't get into these people's minds. The emergency now is to repair the wall, because if it is left much longer it will fall down."

Mrs Fraser and her husband Ian, who are both in their 70s, make weekly trips to the old cemetery surrounding the chantry to pick up litter left by the louts.

She added: "The first plan of action is to install CCTV on the site. The police have been helpful and have said they will increase patrols in the area. "

The church will have to foot the bill for repairs, but Mrs Fraser explained that they will also look to secure a lottery grant.