Kingsclere church damaged and repairs could cost thousands
A Kingsclere church carpet that was damaged by vandals just before Christmas could cost thousands of pounds to replace.
The damage within the aisle of St Mary’s Church occurred between December 18 and 22 and it appears to be tyre tracks or burns caused by an electric scooter or similar small motorised vehicle.
As well as the carpet, St Mary’s has also had many of its stained glass windows and vestry windows damaged within the last few months.
Area dean Rev David Roche was shown the damage at a service on Christmas Eve when the church was giving thanks to volunteers who had helped out with the Kingsclere Community Larder throughout the year.
“I was shocked”, he said. “It’s a shame on several fronts because the building is there for everyone, including them [the culprits].
“They don’t realise that running up and down on your electric scooter might seem fun but it is not appropriate in a church or anywhere indoors really.
“It might be fun but the consequences could cost thousands and thousands of pounds.”
The current state of the carpet means the church will find it harder offer itself as a venue for weddings or funerals.
The parochial church council (PCC) was forced to close the church over Christmas when no PCC member was present to ensure no further damage was caused.
PCC member Janet Larkins said: “It was really disappointing to suddenly find this had happened before Christmas as well, at a particular time when we really would like to keep the church open.”
Rev Roche added: “It was Christmas, an important time of year for Christianity and the faith, and it’s just a real shame. It’s a shame that [the church] feels like it’s been targeted.”
The PCC has made an insurance claim, but it is unsure whether the claim will be successful or whether it will receive enough to cover the full costs of repairing the vandalism.
Rev Roche said he will encourage the PCC to launch a public fundraiser if the insurance doesn’t cover the damage.
He also encouraged anyone in the village who sees anyone acting suspiciously in or around the church to report it to the police to stop further acts of vandalism from happening.
Police are currently investigating the crime. Anyone with information about the incident should call 101 and quote reference INC-20221222-1050.
