Another church in the Melton area falls victim to lead thieves

Police are investigating after the lead was taken from St Mary, Wyfordby, between 5.30pm on Sunday and noon on Monday.

It’s the third such attack within the space of a month.

As previously reported in the Melton Times lead was stripped from the south aisle and porch of St James the Greater in Little Dalby last month and days before that copper was taken from the south aisle roof and nave of St Peter’s in Kirby Bellars.

It’s estimated it will cost about £40,000 to replace the roof.

The District Church Council of Kirby Bellars has now applied for a grant of more than £90,000 from the Listed Place of Worship Fund to pay for necessary works, not just for the roof but other improvements.

Church council member Martin Paling said: “It will be the end of June before we hear if any grants have been awarded. In the meantime we’ve only got the temporary plastic tarpaulin on the roof and we’ve got the wind and rain to contend with.

“We’re also considering applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding.”

Mr Paling said donations had also been made by Kirby Bellars Parish Council and the village hall since the church was targeted and fundraising events are already planned in aid of the church.