by Hayley Robinson

Parishioners may have to foot the repair bill after thieves stripped lead worth £110,000 from the roof of a village church.

More than 30 buckets have been placed in the aisles and balanced on pews ready to catch any rain water that may seep through the tarpaulin which now covers the gaping holes left in the roof of St Peter and St Paul’s in Borden.

The church was targeted three times in eight weeks.

The first theft happened at the end of July when lead worth £18,000 was stolen.

It was targeted again last month and then £90,000 of lead was removed on August 31.

The church’s insurance only covers a total loss of £5,000 a year.

Carolyn Lewis, the wife of the vicar Fr John Lewis, said: "It’s very upsetting.

"We don’t know how we’re going to pay for it. The Parochial Church Council are having discussions about where we go next. It’s possible we may have to apply for grants.

"The roofer who came to look at it and give us a quote for the job said it would be idiotic to put lead back, but as it’s a listed building the Canterbury Diocese insists that lead is replaced. As soon as it’s up you can almost guarantee someone will come and take it.

"There are alternatives but the problem is trying to get permission to use them."

The church is due to spend £90,000 on other planned refurbishments in the next few weeks.

Its organ, which was recently repaired following a £35,000 fundraising appeal, wasn’t damaged by water as it was already covered in protective wrapping ready for the work to start.

A spokesman for the Canterbury Diocese said they were working closely with Borden church to find a solution.

Police confirmed the thefts are being investigated.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.