Cladding panels, gates and steel railings are the measures being introduced by a council to prevent vandals destroying a Grade One listed museum.

The Somerset Brick and Tile Museum in East Quay, Bridgwater has had repeated break-ins by youths over the last few years. Now the Sedgemoor District Council has had enough and decided that installing industrial materials will prevent any further damage.

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The museum has been targeted at weekends and evenings, often being accessed through the roof, as skateboarders play on the shutters, bricks and railings. Last year the police apprehended four people aged 12 to 14 who were caught pulling down tiles.

David Walker, owner of the museum recognises that the culprits need somewhere to use their skateboards, but says it should not be at the expense of a historic building.

He told the Bridgwater Mercury: “The lead was stolen a couple of years ago but we haven’t been confident enough to put it back until the perimeter security has been improved as we run the risk of it being stolen again.”

“There is going to be a raft of work done in keeping with the heritage aspect to secure the museum’s future,” he added.

The council plans to put high vertical fencing up around the outside, and install cladding on an internal gate. A further external gate will be added for extra security. Council planners are welcoming locals to comment further on the matter.

According to Police.uk, the crime database, there were 195 instances of anti-social behaviour in Bridgwater in February, 22 burglaries and 167 other crimes.