A VILLAGE near Crewkerne has been left devastated after more than half a tonne of lead was stolen from the church roof.
All Saints Church, in Merriott, was targeted by lead thieves for the second time in six years in the incident, which could set the church back thousands of pounds.
Reverend Bob Hicks, who is co-rector along with his wife Reverend Julia Hicks, said: “This is the second theft that we have seen within just six years where our church has been targeted. It has affected the front part of the roof above the main entrance to the church.
“It is above the south aisle on the side facing Merriott. This was a more brazen offence because it was quite near to the road in the dark hours of March 13 and 14.
“The culprit used a ladder which was stolen from a nearby property and was left in place and found the next morning.
“A significant amount of lead from the roof was taken. We have plans to do things to reach out to the congregation and we will have to put things off.
“We are just in the process of getting quotes for replacement steel through the appropriate people so we are not sure exactly how much this is going to cost us yet.
“Last time it was around £14,000 so it is going to be that and more this time. Merriott is not a wealthy community so this is going to have a real impact on the life of the church and the people that use it.
“We have going to have to start asking around and applying for grants and dig deep.”
Paul Fisher, a Merriott resident, said: “The theft and damage was discovered on Tuesday, March 14, and the thieves left behind a large ladder that had been stolen the same night from a property in Church Street.
“More than half a tonne of lead was forcibly removed and from the church between the hours of 1pm to 4pm. The 10 panels removed from the south aisle roof, covered an area of 25 square metres and if left undiscovered would have cause further extensive damage to the church fabric.
“The lead removed has been smart water marked after a similar theft in 2011. In that instance it cost the church over £14,000 to replace with only £5,000 covered by insurance.”
If you have any information, contact 101 using crime reference number 5217056763.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel