A HISTORIC building in the city centre has been attacked by vandals.

St Albans couple Clare and Andrew Rayner, who run several companies including a retail consultancy, have taken over the Old Pump House in Stonecross but say they are planning "to rise above it".

They bought the 19th Century waterworks building from 75-year-old Derek Cooper, who has retired after 35 years running St Albans Photoprint from the site.

Mayor Kate Morris and networking guru Andy Lopata formally launched the Rayners' new business Alban Offices last week - they need only part of the building themselves, and have already rented out much of the rest of it to other entrepreneurs.

But arriving for work this week, they found the huge arched window at the front smashed and graffiti on the back door.

Clare said: "After a successful launch event and some great feedback we were looking forward to our first day at work only to be welcomed with the shock of the damage to the front of the building.

"Whatever the motivation for the individual responsible, this only makes us more determined to demonstrate resilience and professionalism.

"By calmly getting it sorted and returning to business as usual we will rise above it."

True to her word, the window was repaired on Monday.

Speaking at Friday's launch, Councillor Morris, whose historical research has resurrected the name Snatchup Alley for the lane nearby, said: "I know that Derek Cooper was concerned about the future of the building, and he will be very pleased to see it put to such practical use.

"This was once an industrial site, full of heavy machinery, but given its location in the centre of town, I think its new use as an office building is entirely appropriate."

Brian Adams, historian at the Museum of St Albans, said: "It is, in fact, a 19th Century engine house where a steam engine provided the power to pump water to local residents. In 1883 a water tower was built, with a capacity of 466,000 gallons, to improve the water power."