A FRUSTRATED councillor is calling on the public for help in tackling thieves stealing valuable coping stones from a listed wall.

The leader of Darlington’s Conservative group, Cllr Heather Scott, is urging people to be vigilant following more than 200 thefts around the West End of the town, which would cost £20,000 to replace like-for-like.

When coping stones began disappearing from walls at properties in the Blackwell and Farr Holme area, Cllr Scott initially believed they had been knocked off by people clambering over the walls and accidentally causing damage.

However, it soon became apparent that the stones were instead being stolen and police are now investigating the thefts.

Cllr Scott said the thieves’ actions were putting extra pressure on the already cash-strapped Darlington Borough Council, which is responsible for maintaining listed walls.

The wall on Blackwell Lane, which forms part of the boundary for the original Blackwell Grange parklands, holds curtilage listing status.

She said: “At a recent cabinet meeting, I raised the issue of theft of the stones from the wall along Blackwell Lane, which is listed.

“The stones are quite valuable and for the last few weeks, they have been disappearing – people have been coming along and taking them.

“It’s quite a serious matter as the wall belongs to the council and so it is their responsibility to look after it.

“When any stones are stolen, it is up to the council to replace them and they have to use tax payers’ money to do so.

“I want to urge residents to be more alert so that we can catch these thieves.

“People may think it is only stone but the wall is very old and the stone is quite valuable to sell on.

“I want to bring this to the attention of the public and ask them to contact police if they see anything suspicious.”

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said the estates management team were aware of the theft and were currently looking at options for repair.

She added: “We would also urge residents to be vigilant and keep a look out to prevent further thefts in this area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on non-emergency number 101 quoting incident number 217 of October 15.