A BUGGY and trailer being used by BBC’s DIY SOS to improve the home of a family of five was stolen at the weekend.

Heather and Martin Taylor-Mann from Little Lever are having their home transformed to make life easier for nine-year-old William who has severe autism.

Mrs Taylor-Mann was shocked to learn of the crime and said: “It’s a disgrace.”

The buggy and trailer were recovered yesterday Police Community Support Officers from Greater Manchester Police.

The PCSOs found the buggy in New Hall Lane.

Mrs Taylor-Mann said: “I just saw it on Facebook. It’s sad really for any negative associations for something that is so positive.”

She added that her husband had heard about it the same way and said: “He just shook his head, I don’t think anything surprises him.”

Mr and Mrs Taylor-Mann and their three children, William, Scarlett, aged eight, and Penelope, aged one are all still “excited” for their home to be completed despite this minor set back.

When the BBC announced the show a spokesman said: “William is simply desperate for his own space that is quiet and calming.

“The family’s current house is unfit for purpose and a massive strain on the family’s life.”

Mr Taylor-Mann, a detention officer at Bury police station, had started work to build a third bedroom but financial constraints and work commitments, as well as helping his wife care for William meant finishing the task was a long time off.

William’s autism means he has no concept of danger and often tries to climb out of windows at home, meaning he cannot be left un supervised upstairs.

The house has also suffered flood damage after William left the bathroom taps running.

Work on their home begins today and workmen and the BBC have spent the weekend preparing for the build and gathering their supplies.

Local tradespeople responded to an appeal by the BBC for contractors and businesses to volunteer their time and supplies for the show, DIY SOS: The Big Build.

The building team will work on the house until Thursday, September 20 when the family will return to their home for the big reveal.

The team plans to build a downstairs extension with bespoke adaptations, separate bedrooms, a calm space for William and a social area for the family.

They will also make sure the ground floor and garden are safe.

The BBC declined to comment.