THIEVES have taken part of a city's heritage - stealing ornate iron gates which stood at the entrance to the former Lowry High School in Broughton, Salford.

Countryside Properties, who are leading a massive regeneration of the district, had stored them in a secure compound on a site in the area.

The school has been demolished to make way for new homes and it was intended to re-erect the gates in a suitable location as a reminder of the area's history.

Val Broadbent, secretary of the Broughton Community Association, said the impressive gates had marked the Duke Street entrance to the school. "We believe they were made in a foundry in Trafford Park in 1996-97 and we assume it is still trading," she said.

"Three local artists were involved in the design of the gates which featured Lowry images and it was the young people of Lowry High School who came up with the design ideas.

"The gates were a beautiful feature of the area, very ornate and unique.

"They were extra special because they were designed by the local community and we had always planned to re-use them to mark the gateway from old Lower Broughton into new Lower Broughton."

Sold for scrap

It is now presumed the gates have been sold for scrap and may have been melted down as the price of metal has soared.

Despite the theft, Countryside Properties claim car crime and anti-social behaviour in the area have dropped thanks to an increase in local community police officers.

Police community support officers are also patrolling the streets where the first phase of a vast development has been completed.

After several months' delay, a 'police pod', paid for by Countryside opened, on Broughton Lane in February.

Insp Steve Bailey, of Salford East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The pod is proving a real asset to the New Broughton development.

"Its location is ideal - it puts us right in the heart of the community, and latest figures show it can be an effective deterrent to criminals."

There has been a 75 per cent reduction in the number of cars stolen from the district in the last six months compared to the same period last year.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour are down by 24 per cent in the last six months, with 78 reports.

Les Brown, regional sales director at Countryside Properties said: "We know how important it is to work closely with residents to ensure a safe, happy and vibrant community.

"Crime and fear of crime is a prime concern in any community and we are delighted we have been able to have a positive effect by helping with the police pod."

Work starts this month on the next phase of the scheme, with 808 homes built over the next three years.

As reported in the M.E.N, police criticised Countryside over a decision to have on-street parking in part of the development.

Senior officers feared it could increase car crime.