Alternative uses for Wirral’s Rake Lane Cemetery Chapel may safeguard it from attack after vandals strike

Aug 20 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Wallasey News

SUPPORTERS of Rake Lane Cemetery have warned its chapel is in danger of becoming “the next Liscard Hall” after it was targeted by vandals.

Stained glass windows and flower stands were destroyed and the altar smashed during last Tuesday’s attack on the historic building, which dates from the 1880s.

Wirral Council insists the damage is minimal but councillors and the Friends of Rake Lane Cemetery say more needs to be done to secure the chapel.

Two years ago hundreds of gravestones in the cemetery were smashed by youths, causing £400,000-worth of damage.

Chairman of the Friends of Rake Lane Cemetery, Mark Joynson, said: “Leaded glass from the windows is all over the floor and they’ve smashed up everything they could get their hands on.

“My initial thought was that it will be petrol next and a fire - then it will end up as a bit of rubble on the floor like Liscard Hall.”

Members of the Friends met at Earlston Library on Monday night to discuss their concerns.

Roger Calvert, who attended on behalf of the council, acknowledged the chapel, which has not been used for services this year, was in a poor condition and suggested the group look at possible alternative future uses.

Liscard councillor Leah Fraser said: “The chapel is a historic building like Liscard Hall and I’d hate to see it going the same way.

“Hopefully, they have learned a lesson and will maintain this building to protect it from vandals.”

New Brighton councillor Tony Pritchard added: “We’d like to see some security lights put in, which would light the whole area up and hopefully keep the vandals away.

“The building is in a sorry state - the gutters and slates are coming off and the lightning conductor has been torn off.”

A council spokesman said: “Wirral Council takes its responsibility to protect its buildings very seriously.

“Appropriate security measures are taken and we work in close partnership with the local police to protect empty buildings and tackle anti-social behaviour.

“Unfortunately, a very small minority of irresponsible individuals have targeted Wallasey cemetery. A break-in took place over the weekend, damage was minimal and the building has been secured.”