£13K needed for vandal hit church

Two fundraising days are being held by St Paul’s Church in Hanging Heaton to protect the windows from attacks by vandals.

In December, Dewsbury Area Committee granted £20,000 which will be used to fit stainless steel guards to all 20 stained glass and leaded windows.

But the church was told they would have to match that amount in order to pay the £40,000 bill. Donations totalling £7,000 have already been made by church organisations and individuals.

Church warden Pat Mosley said: “We are trying to preserve the church for future generations and the people who use it now.

“It is used for weddings and funerals. If it wasn’t there people would miss it.”

The church has been repeatedly targeted by yobs and all the windows have been vandalised on more than one occasion.

In May shattered glass littered pews and the children’s area of St Paul’s after vandals wreaked havoc by smashing windows. Around 100 separate panes of glass had to be painstakingly repaired after the attack.

It is hoped work will start later this year.

The church is asking for cash donations on March 14 and 15, 10am-4pm. There will be an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia, as well as refreshments in the church hall all day.