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8ft-high fence is our cross to bear
Reporter: HELEN KORN
Date online: 24 January 2012
Yobs force church to take action
A CHURCH has been forced to erect fencing to protect it from vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Neighbouring residents had opposed the installation of 8ft-high railings at Holy Trinity Church in Shaw, arguing that it is wrong to restrict the land to the public.
But a Church of England judge has given permission for the £4,000 railings to be erected to combat thefts and the ongoing problem of teenagers lurking around the secluded grounds.
Churchwardens estimated there had been £15,000 worth of losses from the church in the past few years, including an attempt to steal the lightning conductor.
Geoffrey Tattersall QC, chancellor of the diocese of Manchester, granted permission for the railings on the western and northern sides of the church, despite objections from neighbours whose gardens back on to the churchyard.
He said that groups of teenagers had congregated in the vicarage grounds on the north side, leaving behind evidence of drug-taking and alcohol consumption.
The Rev Peter McEvitt said: “Youths were causing as nuisance and we kept finding evidence of drink and other things.
“It has been an ongoing issue but we have been through an extensive consultation process and the judgement is that we may proceed in putting these railings up.”
A number of residents of Durban Close whose rear gardens adjoin the churchyard on the west side objected, claiming they had never witnessed damage or vandalism on that side of the church.
They argued that it was wrong to fence the land off from the decent people of Shaw, and claimed that the money would be better spent on other security solutions that would better protect the beautiful building for future generations.
However, the judge said that other areas of the churchyard would remain open to walkers, and ruled: “I am satisfied that the areas to the north and west of the church have in recent years become prone to theft and misuse by youths.
“Although it is in some ways regrettable that metal railings need to be erected and I can understand that the nearby residents would wish not to have such railings in the churchyard beyond their gardens, I am satisfied that the erection of such railings is a proportionate response to a problem which requires to be remedied.”
Comments
I understand the concerns of Rev McEvitt - let's be honest, who wouldn't. But such an unsightly imposition, despoiling the aesthetic integrity of the immediate area, should be resisted at all costs.
Somewhat baffled here. Surely a fence, although incongruous will benefit the residents at the back of Holy Trinity by stopping vandals from wrecking their properties? Even with a fence, the vandals still have access via Church Road into the grounds.
It is a sign of hte times we live in, when I lived in Shaw as akid in the 1960's there is no way I would have stole or damaged a church even though we did not go to church it was just not the thing to do, They have no respect to today
The nuisance youth could be the solution to the problem,invite them in to church not fence them out.
part of my work as a Stonemason is repairing the damage people make to Church Grounds. I was invited into a Church many years ago and through help and support from the Church have reformed my ways from being a nuisance youth and am sure if St lukes does make the decision to erect a fence them they have done all they can to invite youth to be part of your Church.Having said that i don't mean cause any offence and recognise its not an easy task. your doing a good job.
Its no wonder kids ( and adults ) behave like some do when there is no deterents, look at the story of the assault in the bookies. If you knew you was going to be serverly punished and have to pay for the damage and more then they may think twice
Very sad. I thought community churches would have an interest in identifying and helping people who may have become temped into bad behaviour (Outreach?). The issue is on the churches own grounds, why can't the church approach them and council them? Better than wasting £4k and making the church look like a prison, making it feel exclusi and un welcoming to the very folk who may be needing help.
Fence it in, nail it down or become a victim of crime. This is todays society and the sooner people realise it the better. Until respect and law and order can be reinstated i personally see no option. More Police on the streets, not fewer and harsher sentences is the only way forward. Never mind approaching them and offering to assist them unless you wish to be assaulted.
Perhaps more Police on the streets--remember them?
or a local vigilante group protecting their area with full backing from the so called people in authority.
Churches have little option other than to protect themselves,my own church has a monitored alarm system and cctv cameras with audible warning the police are on their way.There has been so many thefts from churches in the last few years,only last week a silver cross was stolen from Our Lady's altar in Manchester Cathedral,which does have it's doors open to everyone but obviously the yobs chose to steal.Insurance companies will now no longer pay out to the Cathedral and many churches for theft.
Wiseowl, whats the audible warning on the alarm "Police will be here at some point this week!" My business had a smash and grab incident a while ago. We rang the police whilst two members off staff gave chase in their cars. After several phone calls to the police, one community type ready for retirement bobby came strolling down 4 hours later. I entered a harsh reality that day.
Timberwolf it could be but it is there as a deterrent for that very reason,the alarm company instantly call a key holder and police.Invariably if I attend despite having to get up and dressed I arrive before the police.
Same here wiseowl. I had to wait 30 minutes once and the intruders were assumed to be still inside the premises. I had my rottweiler with me but feared being arrested myself if he took a piece out of a criminal. When the lone police woman finally arrived she would not get out from her car until i put my rotty back in mine. I cant say I ooze with confidence in these situations anymore.
Have Your Say
The way the UK Government is going by playing consistently into the hads of the misfit brigade will have us all living behind fences and barred windows. There is a simple option and that is bring back corporal punishment into schools at an early age. It seems the perception by the European courts is one of consistent abuse but is in fact a deterrent aimed at instilling discipline. If you were caned etc in my day then you deserved it and never questioned it. time to stop this namby pamby approach
By Overseas @ 24/01/2012 15:34:41