Theft of roof copper from Darlaston church hall causes leak and disrupts activities
Thieves ripped copper from the roof of a church hall, forcing a lunch club to cancel meetings and delaying the opening of a new parent and toddler group.
All Saints' Parish Church, in Darlaston, was targeted two nights in a row, resulting in rain leaking into the kitchen.
The kitchen cannot be now used until repairs – expected to cost several thousand pounds – are carried out.
Warden Jeff Johnson, aged 63, said two-thirds of the hall roof had been stolen.
The theft has stalled the launch of a new Sure Start-led parent and toddler group at the site, in Walsall Road, Darlaston, and disrupted the new lunch club that had only been running for five weeks.
Mr Johnson said: "Several community activities operate in the church hall.
"The worst hit is our new over 50s luncheon club which had been running for over a month which has now stopped, and we were on the cusp of starting a new parent and toddler group which was due to move in because water has been coming in the kitchen.
"The rain soaked the roof underlay and the water leaked into the kitchen and part of the main hall room.
"We have carried out temporary repairs, but it has been a frustrating time due to having to stall these new projects.
"We didn't realise anything was wrong for about 48 hours because the hall is at the rear of the premises and that part of the roof isn't visible from the front of the church. Some people in the area noticed it being taken off in the middle of the night.
"Unfortunately we're expecting the roof replacement bill to run into five figures, but the matter is with our insurers."
Other activities including a karate club, two line dance groups, a food bank and a dodgeball club are continuing to operate as normal.
West Midlands Police confirmed the theft has been reported to officers.
It is believed the thieves struck between 11pm on October 5 and 3am on October 7.
Anyone with information is asked to call Walsall Police on 101.
