Vandals leave tacks and nails on Valley road as under pressure NHS workers struggle to and from work

NHS staff on the front line of the country's COVID-19 emergency have been targeted by mindless vandals who left nails and tack on a busy Whalley road.
By Faiza Afzaal
Published 27th Mar 2020, 11:00 BST
Updated 27th Mar 2020, 11:02 BST
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Police investigations are under way after drivers have been reporting punctures and have told of spotting the tacks on the road for several weeks now.

Before the Government's lockdown was introduced, a 33-year-old woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, was walking along Mitton Road in Whalley, when she saw the tacks on the roadside. She said: "I walked down Mitton Road and then back up and they were on both sides, near the bridge and heavily around the Calderstones entrance. I tried to stop traffic and other walkers, but only one chap stopped briefly. Since posting to every social media option possible, more people went out to look and picked up around 500 nails in total!"

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The culprit's actions have been branded "appalling", especially as the NHS is already under strain with coronavirus cases piling up daily.

Some of the tacks picked up from Mitton Road in WhalleySome of the tacks picked up from Mitton Road in Whalley
Some of the tacks picked up from Mitton Road in Whalley

The woman added: "This is shocking and appalling on a whole new level. People are losing their jobs and may not be able to replace tyres. Whoever is doing it needs to stop."

A spokesman for Ribble Valley Police said: "As some of you know, we have recently had some problems with tacks/nails being placed on Mitton Road in Whalley. Firstly, I want to reassure you we are working hard to find the person or persons responsible, but it has come to light that this has not only been affecting members of the public, but also our NHS staff who are utilising the various NHS premises within that area. At present our amazing NHS staff are facing a significant challenge and the last thing they need right now is their vehicles being damaged and not being in a position to get into work to support their colleagues and provide care to the public. Please can we ask whoever is responsible to think about who they may be affecting at this difficult time."

Coun. Mark Hindle, who represents the Whalley ward, said: "The nails have caused several flat tyres and people have been lucky nothing more serious has happened. The police are investigating and Coun. Ged Mirfin and myself would ask whoever is doing this stupid thing to stop immediately before a serious injury is caused."

If you have any information about the incident then you should contact police on 101