June 19, 2019 1.31 pm This story is over 58 months old

Lead thieves force church to give up original roof

Lincoln City also helped raise funds for another church in the area this week
All Saints Church in Eagle was among those targeted. Photo: Wez Ranyard

One of three local churches targeted by lead thieves earlier this year is asking for permission to replace its roof with steel rather than the original material.

A planning application for the All Saints Church, in Eagle, wants North Kesteven District Council to let it use Terne Coated Stainless Steel over the North Aisle of the Grade II listed building.

Documents before the authority said: “The North Aisle lead roof was stolen leaving only the flashings and lead rolls in place. The roof has temporary protection.

“Church insurance policies rarely provide full like for like replacement and limit pay outs significantly.

“Historic England support applications for a change of material where lead theft has been a problem and in areas where lead theft is a threat.”

They say the steel will have a similar appearance to lead.

The roof of the church at North Scarle. Photo: Wez Ranyard

In March, it was reported that the All Saints Church, in North Scarle and the St Peter’s Church in Navenby had also been targeted over a series of nights.

Reverend Canon Andrew Vaughan, the priest in charge of the Swinderby groups of churches in Eagle and North Scarle, has previously said each roof would cost £20,000 to reline.

He told Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Jaines this figure was for the steel with the cost of replacing with lead seeing the price double to £40,000 per roof.

Despite local builders carrying out temporary repairs to the churches, water ingress is still an ongoing concern.

Lincoln City Football Club took the League Two trophy to the All Saints Church, in North Scarle, on Monday. Photo: Chris Vaughan Photography.

On Monday, Lincoln City Football Club took their League Two trophy to the North Scarle Church – a Grade One listed building – to raise funds for the roof by allowing fans to visit the church to have their photo taken with the League Two trophy.

Around 30 photographs were taken during the event, with £400 raised towards the church.

Reverend Vaughan said a number of families gave more than requested, and gift aid.

With match funding from grant organisations, it is expected the church could raise around £2,000 from that event alone.

Further events are planned to take place, including a choral concert at the end of the month.

Lincolnshire Police said investigations continue into the thefts.

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