VANDALS have forced canal enthusiasts to move their pleasure boat from Radcliffe into dry dock after a spate of attacks.

In the most recent attack the young wreckers risked their lives by walking on ice to reach the boat, moored on the Bury-Bolton canal at Radcliffe.

They climbed on board and smashed a door to get inside the passenger compartment of the boat. Members of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society say the boat has been regularly targeted by vandals. Three years ago the society suffered a major blow when the boat was sunk after vandals drilled a hole in the hull.

The society's chairman, Bolton woman Margaret Fletcher, said: "We are concerned about the future of the boat and that is why we are moving it to dry dock.

"The threat of more attacks by vandals is always there, even though the boat is moored in the middle of the canal. "The members plan to have a meeting with the boat builders who will store the boat and discuss the best solution."

The boat is expected to be taken to dry dock on Saturday.

Mrs Fletcher said: "Our main priority now is to ensure that the boat is more secure.

"We cannot afford to keep cleaning up after vandals."

The pleasure boat is expected to return to the canal by mid May for the society's summer season of cruises.

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