Lead thieves damage church roof

St Philip's Church officials discovered thieves had struck when rain water started leaking through over the weekend.

The theft has left the congregation saddened and upset.

Rev Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, Vicar of St Philip's Church in Great Lever and Bolton Parish Church, said: "We discovered that lead had been stolen from the roof this weekend, it was quite an extensive theft.

"Tiles have been removed to get to get to the lead, which comes as sheets. There were a couple of points where you could see daylight coming through and with the heavy rain the water was coming in from a few places.

"We had people in the church mopping it up and we had a roofer who came out to have a look, for which I am grateful for. We have secured the building."

"We are insured, but it is not just the financial cost. We have a small congregation, hardworking and faithful and who do a lot of good things and our time and energy could be better spent on that rather than having to address this."

The cost of the damage is still to be counted but it will be replaced with materials other than lead. The church, dating back to 1911, has been targeted before but not on this scale.

"This is not a listed building, " said Canon Bracegirdle, "We will look to replace it with material which is less attractive to thieves."

He added: "The roofer said he wouldn't be able to make a full assessment of the damage until scaffolding is put up.

"The police have been informed. I would just say to people to please be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police or the church.

"We would rather be alerted even if it turns out to be a false alarm."

Canon Bracegirdle said: "Something like this makes you feel upset sad and irritated, but the congregation will not be beaten by this."

"It is always upsetting when you hear of community places being vandalised when people have made such a contribution to them and others try to undermine this, it is a great shame."