Walsall church's doors restored after arson attack

A historic church's doors have been restored and replaced after vandals "used a blowtorch" in an attempt to break in.

Published Dec 1, 2020

Last updated Dec 1, 2020

WALSALL COPYRIGHT EXPRESS&STAR TIM THURSFIELD-27/11/20 Dr John Edlin, admires the newly restored doors at St Matthews Church, Walsall. An anonymous donor enabled the doors to be repaired after a vandal tried to gain access through the wooden doors by setting fire to them. .

The new doors have been fitted at St Matthew's Church in Walsall at a cost of £2,500.

The smoke damage inside the church also caused about £1,500 worth of damage.

The fire was discovered by building manager John Edlin on September 1 and the doors were sent off to Treasure & Son in Ludlow on November 23 before being fitted in the church again on November 27.

Before the repair. Dr John Edlin, next to the wooden doors after a vandal tried to gain access to St Matthews Church, Walsall, by setting fire to them

Mr Edlin said: "I was horrified at the damage for such trivial a reason.

"There's nothing of value to take within the church and so the thoughtless action caused thousands of pounds worth of damage."

He added: "I was delighted to see these heritage doors mended to the best condition they could possibly be."

Mr Edlin also said after the initial damage was done an anonymous person donated £50 to the church.

The doors were originally paid for by the then Mayor of Walsall Frank F Harrison in 1959.