We say Yes to Stainless Steel

The Venerable Alan Jeans said in his letter that while the DAC had not approved a request to use a modern composite material as a replacement for the stolen lead at St Peter's Church at Stourton in Wiltshire, they had supported the PCC's application for a stainless steel alternative for the roof of the church that dates back to 1291.

Archdeacon Alan wrote:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I read with interest your online article regarding the theft of the lead roof from St Peter’s Church, Stourton in Wiltshire. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/08/18/churches-mercy-lead-thieves-rules-around-modern-roofs/

Such a theft is a devastating situation, that leaves the congregation and wider community angry and frustrated. I would however, wish to correct your article, and the comments made by the Churchwarden of St Peter’s, Mrs Fearon. She is quoted: Mrs Fearon said that after the original theft in 2012 she “begged” to use a much cheaper modern composite material for the roof but had been told that it had to be lead.

Mrs Fearon, through her Parochial Church Council [PCC] did request the use of an alternative modern composite material, which was considered by the Diocesan Advisory Committee [DAC], and this was not recommended for use on the roof of St Peter’s. The DAC did not however, insist on a replacement lead roof. The PCC submitted a Faculty application for a replacement stainless steel roof for St Peter’s, which was supported by the Salisbury DAC and English Heritage. However, this application was withdrawn by the PCC, when they decided to proceed with a replacement lead roof. It is important that this correction is made known.

We will continue to work with the Police and Insurance Company to tighten our security measures for all our church buildings, and will work with the PCC at St Peter’s Stourton to seek a solution for a new roof covering.

The Venerable Alan Jeans
Archdeacon of Sarum

St Peter's Stourton is in the parish of Upper Stour and is part of the Heytesbury Deanery.