Outrage as historic paving stones are stolen from outside church

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Police are appealing for information after historic paving stones were stolen from outside a church in Astbury.

Various stones were carelessly ripped up from the ground, leaving the path badly damaged.

The incident is thought to have happened sometime between midnight and 4 am on Thursday (March 3).

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Cheshire Police say they are now appealing for witnesses who may have information in relation to the theft, at St Mary's Church, Peel Lane.

A number of the historic stones were dug up from the path leading to the church through the grounds.

Police have warned that the pathway will now be out of use for sometime and will take a 'significant amount of funds' to repair.

PC Rob Stordy said: “The damage is such that the path will be out of use for some time and will need a significant amount of funds to repair.

“I would urge anyone who may have been travelling through the area and may have noticed anything suspicious or may have dash cam footage to contact us so that we can find those responsible.

“We would also ask people pay particular attention to historic sites such as this when they are out and about, and again report anything suspicious.”

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ quoting IML 1214098.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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