THE closing times for Malmesbury Abbey gates could be altered if vandalism persists, the churchwardens have warned.

Irreparable damage was caused to Norman carvings on the entrance to the south porch two weeks ago.

One inch chunks of masonry were gouged from the stonework, and condoms, sweet papers and sandwich wrappers were found strewn around.

The abbey gates are now closed from 5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at the request of the police.

Now the Parochial Church Council has said it will close the gates from 8pm on a Thursday night and even other weekdays if the vandalism continues.

Churchwarden John Miller said: "We do not want to close them during the week. It would be such a shame considering the town contributed so much to the lights.

"But if is comes to the crunch we are going to have to do it because we have to protect the abbey."

Verger Bill Blake said vandals must have gone to considerable effort to damage the carvings.

He said: "This is the first time it has happened for some time. As far as I am concerned closing the gates has helped a lot. It has kept the people causing mischief and damage out."

Churchwardens are now monitoring the situation.

The closure of the gates does not affect access to the cloister garden to the north of the abbey.