Church defiant after vandalism

3:03pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Defiant parishioners at a Cradley church are assuring the community it is still open despite a spate of vandalism attacks including a gallon of paint being tipped over the site.

Providence Methodist Church in Colley Orchard has had windows smashed, a gallon of yellow paint poured all over a paved area in front of the church steps and grafitti daubed on the building in the past few months.

Worshipper Michael Hill said because broken windows had been boarded up rumours had been circulating that the 152-year-old church had closed.

But he assured people it is still up and running and has more than 70 worshippers.

Michael, aged 65, said: "We have no intention of closing - we are here for the people of Colley Gate.

"It's not just us suffering - it's everyone these days because there's nothing for the kids to do.

"At the front of our church seems to be a gathering point. The councillors and police know about it and have put various things in place to counteract it.

"It's something we have to work around and do what we can to help the situation."

Church-goers spent days clearing the paint with wire brushes and a power washer.

Cradley Councillor Richard Body said there was a problem with youths gathering and drinking in the general area which had been brought up at a recent Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting.

He said: "They are obviously hanging around - there has been quite a lot of trouble. We need a higher police prescence in the evenings."

The church is inviting the local community to an evening of music with Linda Pearce this Saturday (May 17).

For the last 28 years Linda has been working in ministry in England and abroad - she has sung at many events and worked with people like Sir Cliff Richard and Rick Wakeman. She specialises in 60s and 70s music.

Admission is free. Light refreshments will be available. The event starts at 7pm.

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