A WINSFORD vicar has been forced to install security and surveillance equipment at his church because of heartless vandals who have cause thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Thugs have caused chaos at St Chad's over the past few years, breaking windows, damaging expensive stained glass windows, stealing flowers from graves and breaking into the church's Blue Bell tea rooms.

Now the Rev Jerry Sutton and the parochial church council have agreed that measures must be taken to crack down on crime in the church grounds.

Mr Sutton said: "We feel we have got to take action because St Chad's is an important historic place.

"Hundreds of people get great solace from the church and find hope here.

"The church council must do all it can to make sure the place is secure. Some of the old ladies have said they are too frightened now to go and visit their husbands' graves. Something must be done about this.

"People will now hopefully be filmed in their illegal acts."

He explained: "In recent months, a couple of thousand pounds worth of damage was caused to some stained glass windows and the people of the council and church are sick of it.

"We are happy for people to visit the church as a place of retreat and enjoyment but we need a safe environment.

"Although St Chad's has a long driveway which is not lit at night, believe it or not, most of these problems are taking place in broad daylight.

"Hopefully, the security equipment will put an end to this."

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