Churches taught to tackle vandals

PART of Norfolk's rich and varied history under threat from hungry beetles, troublesome bat waste and mindless vandals.Churches in the east of the county have been invited to a special seminar on how to preserve themselves from nuisance pests, stop fouling bats ruining walls and protect themselves from criminal damage.

PART of Norfolk's rich and varied history under threat from hungry beetles, troublesome bat waste and mindless vandals.

Churches in the east of the county have been invited to a special seminar on how to preserve themselves from nuisance pests, stop fouling bats ruining walls and protect themselves from criminal damage.

The Church of England's gateway scheme, which sees historic religious buildings being opened up to the public, has set up the maintenance work shop at St Catherine Church, Ludham, near Great Yarmouth, on Saturday, January 19.

Nicholas Warns, the diocese architect, will be telling church wardens and anyone interested in preserving churches the best way to stop death watch beetles and other insects munching through pews, tapestries and books.

The meeting will also hear that acid from bats' waste is a major problem for churches as its corrosive power eats through walls, roofs and pillars.

Practical ways of combating the continued problem of vandalism at Norfolk churches will also be discussed.

Ken Grapes, church warden at St Catherine's, said: “It can be a challenge to maintain churches and you always have to keep your eyes open for problems.”

The gateway scheme includes churches in Acle, Diss, Loddon, Wroxham, Stalham, Martham, Caistor St Edmund, Ranworth, South Walsham and Pulham Market.

For details on the free church maintenance session call Jennie Hawks on 01379 677843 and for information on all the open churches visit www.norfolkopenchurches.com.