Issue 13 - October 2011 (PDF - Chipping Norton Times

22
(informaton from English Heritage: Caring for places of worship.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/powar)
With lead being stripped from roofs overnight,
How do we prevent lead theft?
The high price of lead, copper and other metals has
encouraged theft from places of worship, particularly from
roofs, lightning installations and drain pipes – this is
demoralising for a congregation and endangers the building.
As the frequency of such thefts increases, insurers expect a
greater degree of care from building owners and may limit
payouts, particularly if simple precautions have not been
taken. Basic security measures are important – make sure
ladders are store securely, that rubbish bins cannot be used
to help, people get onto roofs and consider devices such as
intruder alarms and CCTV as a deterrent.
See www.churchalert.co.uk
www.ecclesiastical.com/metaltheft, and
www.churchcare.co.uk/building
For specific guidance on you building consult your own insurer.
Maintenance. Identifying and planning regular
maintenance minimises the risk of the unforeseen, crisis
situations arising. For helpful checklists and information go
to: www.spabfim.co.uk or www.churchcare.co.uk/building.
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
run free Faith in Maintenance courses.
What English Heritage is doing…
Raising awareness of the good work already being done by
congregations already, conscious of their responsibility to
pass on their place of worship to future generations.
Offering repair grants. Each year £25 million is available
under the joint English Heritage/Heritage Lottery Fund
Repair Grants for Places of Worship Scheme.
Funding Support Officers provide a skilled and experienced
local person for congregations to turn to.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/protecting/places-of-worship