PEOPLE in Westbury are being asked to give generously to help repair the town’s All Saints Church after lead was stripped from the vestry roof in July last year.

The lead was stripped off the Grade I listed building by thieves and, despite police having CCTV footage, the culprits have never been caught.

The theft was only discovered the following Sunday when the church was opened for the 8am service. Since the theft on July 20, the church, which is normally open daily for anyone to visit, has only been open for services.

The church has now been given the go-ahead permission to replace the roof with steel which is less attractive to thieves.

Reverend Rebecca Harris, Team Rector at All Saints Church, said: ““All Saints’ Church, its congregation and ministry team are available to everyone in Westbury whether or not they attend church. We hope that the community will lend us their support to repair the roof.

“The theft was reported to the police but despite CCTV footage the culprits have not been caught.

“Sadly, the amount that they will have got for the lead is nothing compared to the cost of the damage caused as the floors, ceilings and doors have also been affected by the water that continues to penetrate the building.

“The roof repairs are estimated to cost around £25,000, plus the added costs of repairing the internal damage.”

Rev Harris added: “The floor was flooded, and everything was soaked after heavy rain the previous night.

“The vestry had to be cleared completely and the contents dried out and cleaned. Many items were too far gone to be saved and had to be thrown away.

“Due to the increasing cost of lead thefts, insurers do not pay out the full cost to repair the damage and will only cover just over £7,000 of the costs to replace the roof so the congregation are left with a shortfall.

“There is a small amount in the maintenance fund, but it is not enough to cover all the expenses. The Church is applying for grants from external sources, but these are not guaranteed and take time to be processed.”

“The congregation of All Saints’ Church are asking the people of Westbury to support them with donations towards the repairs.

“The last few months have been very difficult with the extra work and disruption that the theft has caused.”