HUNDREDS of people were left unable to hear a Remembrance Day service because vandals had tampered with the speakers.

Cllr David Chadwick, leader of Westhoughton Town Council, looked into the issue after he received complaints from the public that they could not hear the prayers or service near the town’s war memorial.

After contacting Leisuretec, the company in charge of the PA system, it was revealed someone had been spotted tampering with the battery terminals, which meant there was not enough power to the amplifiers. The company has waived its fee for the event because of the problem.

Cllr Chadwick said it was annoying for many people at the service, which was attended by around 400 people.

He said: “It spoilt what is a special day in Westhoughton and the participation for people who attended, and it is so frustrating that the actions of one person spoiled a solemn occasion. It’s important that the business doesn’t suffer adversely because of one hiccup.”

Workmen from Leisuretec are now arranging a visit to Westhoughton in the New Year, to look at other ways of sourcing power to the site.