CONCERNED church members have pleaded with the authorities to find those responsible for destroying the grounds of the chapel after years of targeted attacks.

Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel in the town centre has been vandalised by youths for more than two years but in recent weeks the attacks have escalated in intensity and frequency.

The chairman of the congregation Friede Sheikh has revealed how church members have become increasingly frustrated and worried about the potentially fatal actions of those involved.

One of the group’s main concerns is that vandals show no signs of stopping and continue to launch slates and brick into the garden causing extensive damage.

She said: "It's breaking my heart. I am devastated by this.

"How anyone was not killed is a mystery to me.

"We are a small congregation and we have painstakingly restored the garden only for it to be destroyed."

Church members have lost count of the amount of times they have found shattered slates and bricks littering the grounds and on the streets close to the chapel on Cairo Street.

It is believed the vandals are climbing onto nearby disused buildings to throw the slates and bricks into the garden of the chapel, which is the second oldest surviving place of worship in the town.

But Friede has urged members of the public to rally together to find the culprits and she has asked anyone who spots anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity to come forward. 

Friede has called on the community to act now before someone is killed as a result of the careless actions of a few.

She added: “The church and the grounds are a beautiful space and these vandals are trying to destroy it.

“The chapel has been around for 300 years and is a part of the town's history. 

“The council and the police need to act now before it is destroyed.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.