Stone flags outside Denholme's Mechanics Institute could be replaced by concrete if they are stolen once again.

The warning has come from Bradford council after the latest theft of the Yorkshire stone paving slabs from the front of the building on Main Road that has left it looking like a "patchwork quilt.

Town councillors in Denholme have voiced their anger at the theft and say they don't want to see the historic character of the building spoiled. But they are resigned to the fact that Bradford council cannot afford to keep on replacing the expensive flags.

They are calling for closed-circuit television to be installed as a deterrent to any criminals.

Town mayor Councillor Anne Jay said: "There has been a spate of stone flag thefts in this vicinity and they have replaced them with Yorkshire stone this time, but the decision has been made not replace them if they are stolen again."

Councillor Jay said the theft could have been worse had it not been for the quick-thinking of a man who became suspicious when he saw men posing as council employees.

He enlisted the help of others from The Royal pub to chase away the bogus workmen.