Work has begun to repair the roof at Sedgefield’s ancient parish church which fell victim to lead thieves in December 2017. 

The culprits were then condemned by church warden Brian Mutch as “avaricious individuals with no respect for centuries of local history”.

Restoration specialists have moved on to the site of St Edmund’s Church and erected scaffolding to remove temporary covering which has protected the roof of the North Transept since the theft.

Specially-coated stainless steel - which is not as attractive to thieves - will then be used to cover the centuries-old timbers.
Work on the roof could be completed within a month and will cost around £30,000.

Mr Mutch, who has special responsibility for church buildings in the parish of the Upper Skerne, said this week that work would then begin on renovating the interior walls which were badly marked by water seeping through the exposed roof.

Several church members were keen to see work begin on the transept roof including (l-r) Mrs Brenda Moore, Mrs Yvonne Houston and Mrs Audrey Flanagan.

Article courtesy of Ron Eyley

 

Page added 24th June 2019