REPEATED lead raids at a historic County Durham church has sparked a funding plea to help cover the estimated £30,000 repair bill.

Members of St Edmund’s Church, in Sedgefield, have launched the appeal to fix the roof of its north transept which was stripped of a large amount of lead.

Thieves struck twice between October and December last year when on the first occasion a large sheet of lead was cut off the north transept along with an eight metre strip from the ridge, all the lead to the box gutters and flashing on both sides.

Less than one week after it was discovered in December, it was found the Grade I-listed building was missing a further 16 square metres - leaving the entire east side of the roof exposed.

Reader Michael King, who is chairing the appeal campaign, said: “We are confident we shall get support from people all over the county and much further afield who appreciate the need to preserve St Edmund’s for future generations as it is such an iconic and much-loved building.”

Following the second theft, the remaining lead roof was taken off and an temporary roof has been installed.

And although the north transept has been made temporarily waterproof, appeal organisers are anxious to make a start on a permanent repair as soon as possible to protect vulnerable 13th century roof timbers.

A decision has already been taken not to reclad the roof in lead.

Instead, subject to the necessary approvals, the wooden timbers will be covered in a special type of stainless steel which looks much like lead but is not as attractive to thieves.

It is not yet clear just how much the restoration work will cost but one estimate puts the figure at around £30,000.

Churchwarden Brian Mutch said: “The actual amount will not be known until the architect has prepared plans and tenders have been received from a number of approved companies who specialise in church roof-repair work.”

The estimated figure is based on repair costs to the south transept roof when lead was stolen in a raid nine years ago.

Because of that and the subsequent insurance claim for £23,000, insurers placed a £10,000 payout ceiling on any future lead-theft from the building.

The appeal team says that donations to the appeal have already been received from several local individuals and groups.

  • Further offers of financial help can be made by calling church treasurer Chris Rowsby on 01740-621125 or sent to 36 Beaumont Court, Sedgefield, Stockton on Tees, TS21 3AH.
  • Cheques should be made payable to St Edmund’s Church and be marked Roof Appeal on the back.
  • The bank sort code and account number for anyone wishing to make an online payment are 20-82-18 and 90121630 - entering Roof Appeal in the reference field.
  • More information about the appeal is available from Michael King on 01740-620910 or Brian Mutch on 01740-622302.