Burscough Action Group members “let down” by police over response to vandalism complaints

Oct 4 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

MEMBERS of a campaign group who claim their signs and banners have been stolen and vandalised in an ongoing spate of incidents said they feel let down by the police’s response to complaints.

Stephen McCloskey, of the Burscough Action Group, which speaks out on issues regarding land development, said the vandalism began when a number of signs disappeared from gardens along Liverpool Road South the night before the torch relay passed through the town on June 1.

Over the past few weeks, more signs have disappeared and two banners were found ripped and damaged on the street. But, after complaining to police, Stephen said he was told it would not be treated as a crime as it could have been weather damage.

He said: “I don’t feel the police have taken this seriously. The weekend before last two signs went missing, and a banner seemed to have been tampered with. This weekend, another two signs went and a banner was left in pieces. Our group has been conducting a peaceful protest and we feel there is a campaign to silence us. It’s been a real eye-opener through this process.”

Burscough Parish Council is now writing to police to express concern about the incidents.

West Lancs Inspector Andy Willis said: “We have thoroughly investigated each report made to police. In relation to the banner, the officer honestly believes the damage was caused by weather, rather than a deliberate act. If anybody has information in relation to the removal of signs or other incidents, we would urge then to contact PC Jo Dawson on 101.”