Church targeted again

St Thomas, Newhey

Thieves who stole a few pounds worth of lead from a newly-restored church roof have caused £1,000 worth of damage.

St Thomas’s in Newhey, a listed building, was just recovering from a disastrous arson attack which happened four days before Christmas 2007.

The congregation has returned to the building after a £1.8 million restoration, although contractors are still working inside, but the latest vandalism and theft was spotted last week.

Thieves took lead from the corner of the roof where the fire had struck, and which had just been replaced.

The vicar, the Rev Graham Lindley, said: “I’m told they will only get a few pounds for it but the damage to us is over £1,000.

“They have damaged roof tiles and some stone work.

“We certainly won’t be putting lead back, and we will be asking permission from the church authorities to use a synthetic material.”