A VICAR has spoken of his dismay after thieves stole more than £10,000 of lead flashing from a town centre church roof.

Rev Darren Barlow, who has served at St Peter and St Paul’s parish church in Grays for four-and-a-half years, explained he is worried about the repercussions the lead thefts will have on the inside of the church, which had a £400,000 refurbishment in 2008.

He added vicars in Thurrock were thinking of joining forces to try and think of some preventative measures after recent lead thefts from St Margaret’s Church, The Green in Stanford-le-Hope.

Rev Barlow said: “The building is very vulnerable. This is the only listed building still in use in Grays and it is very significant to the community, and many of our older members are very upset.

“The lead that has been taken protects the gulleys and rainwater has already got into the main hall. If it rains heavily the damage could be catastrophic, we are all very concerned.”

Rev Barlow first noticed ladder and footprint marks in the lawn on Saturday (January 22) during a wedding as he was walking the bride and bridesmaids round to the gardens at the High Street church.

The next day parishioners went to assess the damage and found seven foot of lead had been taken , this was reported to the police.

Rev Barlow said: “The next day a roofing company came and they found overnight even more lead had been taken, spanning the whole of the roof.

“Taking the lead is one thing but these people have not thought of the consequences this act will have on the church and everyone who uses it.”

The church was closed for six months in 2008 and in the renovation new drains, underfloor heating, carpets, kitchens and furniture were all replaced.

Labour’s Gerard Rice, cabinet member for crime and disorder said: “It is very sad when vandals, and that is what they are, attack a church. People have less money now and these kind of actions are going to become more frequent.

“The church could look at getting CCTV installed, but it will cost more money. It is a very regrettable incident.”

Laura Anderson, spokesperson for Essex Police, said: “These thieves clearly don’t have a conscience to steal from a place of worship, which exists to support members of the community. If you know who did this, do the right thing and call us so the thieves can be brought to justice.”

If you have any information call Grays police station on 0300 333 4444.