Hunt on to find historic Wigan mile marker thief

The milestone, which was on Boars Head Bridge in Standish, dates back to 1837 and is one of four markers in the town.

The marker shows the railway at Langtree - four miles to Wigan and 13 miles to Preston - but thieves described as “mindless” have now taken it.

Standish councillor Ray Whittingham learnt of the theft last Tuesday but it is unclear when the marker was taken.

Coun Whittingham said: “It looks as though it was cut off with a grinder or possibly just broken with a sledgehammer and taken away for scrap value, which is minute as cast iron is not a precious metal and these days not a sought after commodity.

“This was just mindless vandalism and something just short of 200 years old has been taken for a few pennies.

“Scrap cast iron is not a good value and isn’t worth as much as bronze or copper. The mile marker must only weigh about 40kg. I suspect they are maybe going around collecting cast iron and if they collect a bit, maybe they could make some money for beer or drugs or whatever they will use it for.

“There are some sad people out there who have no pride in our heritage. I learnt of the theft at a meeting where the Standish Community Forum chairman told me the mile marker had been taken. It’s not clear when it was stolen.”

Coun Whittingham said he is now waiting to hear from Wigan Heritage and that he had contacted police.

He said: “They told me that those responsible for taking this could get a custodial sentence and they are checking scrapyards for it.

“So hopefully a piece of Standish’s heritage can be found as we’re down to three markers right now in the town.

“Some people have also approached me suggesting that money be raised for a new marker if this one can’t be found but let’s hope it can be recovered.”