Church hit by vandals

A CHURCH in Heathfield has been hit by vandalism four times in three weeks.

St Richard's Church in Hailsham Road has seen more than 900 of damage caused by vandals hurling stones at windows.

The most recent attack happened on Monday night when a lump of sandstone was thrown through one of the side windows. The cost of repair will be at least 100.

Only two weeks before the church suffered three attacks in one week. A total of 37 panes of glass were broken and in some places the leadwork was left badly damaged as a result of vandals throwing stones. So much force was used that some glass was scattered across the inside of the church.

The vicar of St Richard's, Rev Simon Crittall, estimates that repairs will cost at least 800. He said: 'At the moment we are looking at about 870 worth of damage, although one of the windows may have to be taken out and replaced which could cost a further 580. Thankfully we have insurance, but that's not the point.

Costly

'These are by far the most costly incidents we've had to deal with. The fact that we suffered three separate incidents in one week has upset the parishioners. They were very distressed.'

He added: 'We feel so much sorrow for the young people who have grown up to consider this acceptable behaviour. If they continue to develop in this way, what joys will they find in adult life?'

Following the most recent attack Mr Crittall said: 'We are in talks with the police about protection methods, but things can't be resolved overnight. This sort of thing comes in waves. For the last five years, at about this time, we seem to get trouble. Youngsters have finished school and exams and they just hang around. This type of vandalism comes in short-term waves and then it goes away again.'

Gathering

Sergeant Rex Matthews of Hailsham Police said: 'We are aware of the problems the church is experiencing and we are working closely with the vicar to get them sorted out.

' The area where most of the damage is happening is close to a sheltered area where the youngsters gather on an ad hoc basis. We are trying to get a small amount of money to box that area in, so people can't congregate therer anymore.'

He added: 'This level of anti social behaviour is a major concern to the people of Heathfield. While we are waiting to become a 24-hour police station we will continue with officers in high visibility patrols around the area to tackle this sort of behaviour while it is having an adverse effect on people's quality of life.'