£ 20k stolen stone from 19th century church

The 19th century churchyard is expected to cost more than £ 20,000 to repair stolen stones.

More than 50 York Sandstone is taken from the Grade II listed St. George’s Church in Tildasle, Wigan, Greater Manchester in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Councilor James Fish, who has since established A funding campaign To replace the stones, said that “the work of vandalism” came because the church was celebrating its 200th anniversary.

St. George said that it was “grateful” that “clean the dirt left behind”.

Counselor Fish told BBC Radio Manchester, “One morning a person posted about the incident on social media, so I got up and went straight to the church.”

He said that thanks to the CCTV cameras posted in local businesses, they managed to identify the vehicle.

But regardless of that people behind the theft were caught, the church would have a huge price to pay.

Councilor fish said: “The retail value of these stones is depending on the size of the stone between each cost £ 120- £ 150.

“I go to the city every week in the morning of a coffee and only what we used to talk was about how everyone was with what happened.

“But I know that the city will come together to support the church moving forward.”

Church warden Ian Hodcroft stated that the “beautiful” yard of the building was “quite”.

“We regret the actions of those who have stolen York Stones a lot.

“We are grateful to the support of neighbors, local businesses and local councilors James Fish, as well as with several volunteers from the Tyledasley community who have come together to help us.”