THE portico of Farnworth Town Hall will be re-covered after a teenager was caught stealing lead from the roof.

Councillors approved the use of "Ubiflex", a lead replacement product, on the listed building at Thursday's planning committee meeting.

Planning chief Paul Whittingham stressed the importance that people know there is no longer lead on the roof to prevent attempted thefts in the future.

Labour councillor Jean Gillies moved to approve the proposal.

She said: "It is our heritage, it is a listed building and I think we should try and maintain it as best we can."

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Farnworth and Kearsley First councillor Paul Sanders seconded the approval.

He said: "It's urgent that this work happens as quick as possible. I know it's taken some time to get to this stage. Farnworth Town Hall, I think we can all agree, is a magnificent building - a symbol of Farnworth. With modern technologies, I think we should replace materials to suit the times and a sign maybe to indicate the lead isn't there anymore I think will be a good suggestion."

Conservative councillor John Walsh suggested installing CCTV as a deterrent.