St Martin's lead theft

A theft has been slammed as a ‘disgusting’ crime and described as a huge blow to the community.

One priest at St Martin’s church, Bilborough has expressed his concerns that children will be biggest victims of the lead stolen from the buildings apex.

Reverend Dan Corcoran, who is pioneer missioner with children and young people at the church on St Martin's Road, said the incident was a kick in the teeth for its members.

He said: “We have a great relationship with the community and only exist to make life better for its members so I can’t believe anyone would do this.”

“A lot of our children’s trips are heavily subsidised by church funds so excursions such as those to Twycross Zoo may be cancelled.”

The church is currently undergoing a £100,000 in renovation largely funded by English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The work included the removal of lead from high up in the church tower.

It was set to go on display at the church but thieves broke in at around 12.30am on Wednesday (May 6) and took it.

Councillor Derek Cresswell said he felt the theft of the lead was ‘absolutely disgusting.’

He said: “I’m almost lost for words how to describe my feelings about this disgraceful theft.

“It seems like this kind of thing is getting more and more common now, these sort of criminals are the lowest of the low, they have no morals whatsoever, it is basically desecration.”

Sgt Ian Cresswell, of the Broxtowe Neighbourhood Policing Team, said these thefts affect entire communities, whose members attend church, not just for worship but a whole range of activities.

He added: “Churches also have limited funds for replacing or restoring the stolen lead, which exacerbates the impact of the theft itself by imposing unnecessary costs upon them.”

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