Vandals target former factory setting revamp back

The damaged has delayed planned work at the site

More than 40 windows were smashed by vandals at a historic Grade II*-listed teapot factory due to be restored after closing 20 years ago.

Retailer Wayne Walker discovered the damage on Monday and has had to fork out £2,000 to get them replaced.

The early 19th century Price and Kensington Teapot Works in Longport, Stoke-on-Trent, has previously been targeted by arsonists and fly-tippers, having fallen into serious disrepair since it shut in 2004.

Mr Walker wants to transform the site into a shopping village, featuring the likes of a cash and carry, a restaurant, and a gaming hub.

Mr Walker says a total of more than 40 window panes were smashed in the incident

A spokesperson for his firm - Wayne Walker Quality Meats - said they had CCTV showing a group of young people climbing over a wall to enter the site.

Staff believe the same group could be responsible for smashing the windows.

“It was 40 panes of glass they smashed,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s set us back now because obviously we’ve put the windows in to dry the building out, and we’ve had to get them put in again which has delayed the workers going in by a few days.”

Additional security measures have now been taken and police officers are carrying out more patrols in the area.

The spokesperson stressed the site is unsafe, and urged people to stay away while the refurbishment takes place.

Mr Walker has reported the damage to the police