More than 50 valuable York stones have been stolen from the grounds of a Grade II listed church in Tyldesley, Wigan, causing damage estimated at over £20,000.
The theft took place in the early hours of Thursday morning, targeting St George’s Church during its 200th anniversary year.
The historic 19th-century church, located in Greater Manchester, suffered significant damage as the sandstone slabs were forcibly removed from the churchyard. Each stone is valued between £120 and £150, making the incident both a costly and deeply upsetting blow to the local community.
Local councillor James Fish, who has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of replacing the stolen stones, described the theft as a senseless act of vandalism. He said the church had been preparing to celebrate two centuries of community service when the crime occurred.
Thanks to nearby CCTV footage, the vehicle involved in the theft has been identified. However, regardless of whether those responsible are caught, the church now faces a substantial financial burden to restore its grounds.
Residents of Tyldesley have expressed shock and disappointment, with many voicing their anger at the destruction of a cherished local landmark. Community groups, volunteers, and local businesses have since rallied around St George’s Church, offering their support and assistance in clearing the site and raising funds for repairs.
Church warden Iain Hodcroft confirmed the damage to the yard was extensive and thanked the community for stepping in during a difficult time. The churchyard, known for its beauty and historic value, has been a place of reflection and local heritage for generations.
Efforts are now under way to restore the church grounds, with community fundraising at the heart of the recovery plan. The theft has sparked widespread calls for increased protection of historic sites across Greater Manchester, as concerns grow about the targeting of heritage properties for high-value building materials.
