Lead thefts force churches to turn to steel

[THE ON-GOING EFFECTS that lead theft is having on churches, and the damage to the heritage value of affected churches, have been emphasised recently in a parish in Lincolnshire, where a number of churches have opted to replace lead roofs with terne-coated stainless steel (TCSS) as being less attractive to thieves.

The problem is exemplified by the case of the Church of St Peter Ad Vincula in Threekingham, near Sleaford, which had most of the lead stripped from its roof over two consecutive nights in December 2019.

The current church can be dated to the 12th century, while the tower dates from the 13th. Various features in the chancel include the now-infilled north arcade and the east windows and Collyweston slates on the roof in addition to the lead.

As part of a planning application to North Kesteven Borough Council last year, an impact statement says: “In order to protect the historic roof structures it is proposed to install a terne-coated stainless steel roof covering; the sheets will be installed with round batten rolls to give the impression of a lead roof and the steel will, in a few months, weather to a light matt-grey colour.

“The parish is not able to afford premiums for buildings insurance for any of its church buildings, only for public liability, and so the theft value is not insured, despite the thieves having been subsequently caught thanks to the actions of the local community working with the police.

“Threekingham is one of six churches in the parish of 11 churches that have suffered significant lead theft in the last seven years and in all other cases, as the replacement of lead with lead is not a sustainable cost, it is proposed to replace the lead with terne-coated stainless steel which should have a lifespan in excess of 100 years.”

Significantly, both Historic England and SPAB have given their blessing to the replacement.

Historic England pointed to published guidance which states: “Historic England supports consideration of replacing lead coverings with TCSS, when a particular roof slope has been the target of theft and there is a need for re-covering. The assessment of risk of further theft should include factors such as number of thefts in nearby churches, previous performance of roof alarms, and the extent to which the church is overlooked.”

SPAB stated in a consultation response: “We would not oppose the principle of replacement of the lead roof with one in terne-coated stainless steel as theft would remain a genuine risk if lead were to be employed. We have also taken into consideration the fact that the visibility of the roof from the ground is limited.

“We are satisfied that the technical specification for the works is largely appropriate, noting in particular that the use of an experienced contractor has been stipulated, that terne-coated stainless steel of sufficient thickness (minimum 4mm) will be employed, that a measure of insulation will be incorporated, and that round batten roll joints will be used.”