Vandalised church windows to cost thousands to fix

The Reverend Canon Simon Ward says the money that will be spent on repairs could have been used to help people in the community

Vandals who threw stones at leaded windows in a Norfolk church have caused damage that will cost thousands to repair.

Church wardens were cleaning up broken glass and stones that had been thrown at Great Yarmouth Minster when another window was hit.

Paul Spychal went out and spoke to two boys he described as teenagers, but he said that after a brief conversation they ran off.

The Reverend Canon Simon Ward, team rector for Great Yarmouth, said: "It is disheartening, and you wish everybody could be aware of how it hurts the people who love this place."

He said he had been contacted by many people who had heard the news, with the local Islamic community among the first to do so.

One window has been severely damaged while others have been peppered with holes.

There are dozens of broken diamond window panes, and Mr Ward estimated each one would cost £80 to repair.

"The window which was the target of the vandalism is something in the region of £15,000. We've had to remove the whole window," he said.

"We're also looking at putting guards over windows [although] we don't want to do that. We'd love to think this is a building cherished by the community.

"You don't want to go down that line of reinforcing and defending. We'd rather be inviting and share what a wonderful place this is."

Church warden Wendy Betts was cleaning up debris when another stone came through the glass

The lectern balustrade and the choir stalls were damaged as stones and masonry were strewn across the church, which is the largest parish church in England.

Church warden Wendy Betts, who found the damage on the morning of 22 May, said: "It was later when we were cleaning up in the afternoon that a stone came through the window while we were there.

"We rushed outside to see who the culprits were and we saw them but they got away. The police were informed and we'll see what happens."

Church warden Paul Spychal spoke to two teenage boys about the vandalism

Mr Spychal, another church warden, had been up a ladder removing the large objects that had been wedged into the window frame.

He said: "I'd like to offer the two boys the opportunity to come into the church and see the church and engage with the community in the church and realise the church is there for them.

"Hopefully the welcome will persuade them not to carry on with these remiss actions."

Norfolk Police said it is investigating and has asked anyone with information to contact them via their website or by calling 101.