VANDALS have again targeted the porch at the historic St Mary’s Church, Lymm.
As a result, the church has launched an appeal to raise about £5,000 to install gates at the front of the church to prevent access to the porch when the church is not open.
Rector, the Rev Beverley Jameson, said one of the benches in the porch was completely destroyed by vandals in January.
“Unfortunately, the bench on the other side of the porch is also showing signs of damage and we still find litter, sputum, debris and empty drugs packets within the porch area,” she said.
“We are looking to install gates at the front of the porch which would mean we could securely prevent access to the porch when the church was not open.
“The wardens are currently seeking three quotes for the provision of gates but we believe we are looking in the region of £5,000. We have
a great deal of building maintenance before us this year with permanent repairs to the ceiling and five year annual survey of the church in the autumn to identify future repair work.
“Therefore we are launching an appeal to raise funds initially for the provision of gates and if we raise more than the amount needed this will go to general maintenance of the ceiling, roof and building maintenance.”
Anyone who would like to send a donation should send a cheque made payable to “Lymm PCC” to 46 Rectory Lane, Lymm WA13 0AL.
The Rector added: “I know the people of Lymm are remarkably generous. We have already received donations from individuals and Lymm and District
Round Table.
“St Mary’s has been at the heart of Lymm for hundreds of years and I pray we can continue to be at the heart of our community, protecting the building from vandals, the wind the hail and the rain to enable us to open our doors to everyone. Please consider giving a donation”
