Church roof hit by lead thieves

Thieves have caused extensive damage to a Dudley church by stripping lead from the roof of the building – which had only just been completed.

Dudley Wood Methodist Church is the latest in the region to be targeted by metal thieves looking to cash in on the lucrative price of lead.

And it is a new setback for the church which hit the headlines after it was told its cross was classed as an advertisement.

The new church building is on the site of the old Sunday School.

The Rev Paul Nzacahayo said today: "The congregation is very disappointed about what has happened after all our hard work.

"We have only just finished the new building and it was looking very nice.

"It is a real setback for us but we are determined to carry on our good work.

"We will now be speaking to the church council about possible security measures."

The church cross which sparked a national outcry after it was classed as an advertisement has been given planning permission and the £75 fee waived in a U-turn by council officials.

Dudley Council bowed to pressure and agreed not to charge the administration fee for putting up the cross.