Between 2015 and 2017, the church suffered from metal theft in three separate incidents, during which all the copper roofs to the Nave, Chancel, South Aisle, and North Transept were stolen.
This left the building in a vulnerable state, with the South Aisle, Nave and Chancel drenched in water every time it rained. This, in combination with deteriorating stonework on the exterior and drainage issues, resulted in the church being added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.
The PCC/DCC received a small amount of funding from the COVID Recovery Fund, which allowed us to undertake some emergency repairs to windows and to have the condition of the temporary roof coverings surveyed in 2021. At the same time, the condition of the roof timbers was assessed for fungal damage, with a detailed outline of the remedial work required being created.
The temporary roof coverings, with a lifespan of over 3 years, were found to be deteriorating prematurely. Having been exposed to water ingress for a significant period, the roof is severely affected by both wet and dry rot.
There is a desperate need for structural repairs, timber treatments and re-covering with the permanent solution of terne-coated stainless steel.