Church takes a swipe at policing over lead thefts
St Mary’s forced to use stainless steel after second raid on roof in four years
A VILLAGE church has given up trying to replace lead on its roof after thieves stole it for the second time in four years.
St Mary’s in Kintbury also took a swipe at police in its planning application to repair the roof, saying they take no interest in the matter.
West Berkshire Council has agreed with it on the materials proposed, and says no planning permission is needed to use a stainless steel material that looks like lead instead.
Several options were considered for repairing the roof, but lead, which is known to last more than 500 years, has been ruled out.
In its application to the council, the church said the downside to using lead is the potential for future theft, adding that an alarm would help mitigate against this, but there are annual maintenance costs and false alarms are quite common.
It went on to say: “Lead theft is a huge issue with this roof having been stolen twice in four years, there are no signs that the police or Government will get to grips with it (or have the will to do so) any time soon.
“Even with alarms in place, lead roofs have been stolen – as was the case here.
“Insurance pay-outs for lead thefts are generally capped as a result of the sheer number of thefts.
“Churches are having to foot a large proportion of the bill to repair their roofs following thefts at a time when most churches have very little income.
“To renew the roof in lead, even with the extra expense and longterm maintenance of an alarm, would be a constant source of concern and will put the building at risk.”
The council has agreed that the church can use Terne-coated stainless steel, detailed to match lead, which will last many years and not be a target for thieves.
Insurance pay-outs for lead thefts are generally capped as a result of the sheer number of thefts