A CHURCH targeted twice by lead thieves is facing an £80,000 bill to repair its roof.
Thieves returned twice overnight on Saturday June 1 to St Chad’s Church in Bishops Tachbrook.
They took all the lead from the nave roof and north aisle roof, meaning the church on Mallory Road has since had to close when it rains.
Rev Elaine Scrivens discovered the lead had been taken after being told during a church service. She then received an answerphone message saying the thieves had returned.
She told the Observer: “As there were no CCTV cameras on the roof the insurance company will only pay out £7,500 for external work and £7,500 for internal damage. Our architects estimated on their first visit that the cost is likely to be £80,000.”
Despite the huge bill Elaine says the community has been very supportive and been organising events to help raise the extra £65,000 to pay for a steel coated roof instead of lead.
She added: “The village of Bishop’s Tachbrook have been wonderful rallying around. They have really pulled together and out of adversity has come something really good.”
An auction is set to be held in the village Sports and Social Club on Sunday July 21, while on August bank holiday there will be an open gardens event.
Other churches and charities have also pledged to donate.
Visit www.bishopstachbrook.com/st-chads or email [email protected] to donate or find out more.
Call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information about the thefts.
