Lead thieves close cancer aid centre

Thieves have forced a support centre for cancer patients to close and left a charity facing a repair bill of thousands of pounds after lead was stolen from the roof.

The Maggie's Centre, on Dumbarton Road in the Partick area of Glasgow, suffered extensive water damage to carpets, upholstery and the electrics as a result of the theft at the weekend.

Strathclyde Police said the centre had to close for three days after the raid and Sergeant Neil Duncandescribed the theft as an appalling act.

He said: "The theft of lead from the centre, whose sole purpose is to provide support for families affected by cancer, is absolutely disgusting. This has left over 100 families who need the care and support of Maggie's Centre at a particularly difficult time in their lives having to make alternative arrangements."

It is understood the roof repairs could cost about 7,000, while fixing the other damage could cost an further 1,000.