Vandals target gravestones in Wolverhampton church

Gravestones and memorials in a Wolverhampton churchyard have suffered "considerable" damage after a series of attacks by vandals over the past month.

Up to 40 graves at St Philip's Church in Bradmore have been attacked. Some headstones have been pushed over and several of them have shattered on impact with the ground. A number of granite crosses have been pushed over and smashed.

The church, which celebrates 150th anniversary in July 2009, has recently completed a £200,000 renovation programme.

The Vicar, the Rev Jeremy Oakley, said: "I have a deep concern and sadness for the many families who regularly visit the graves of loved ones. It will be a terrible shock to them when they witness the unnecessary vandalism which has taken place.

"Local people are so sad because of the damage that has been inflicted. There is an acknowledgment and appreciation in the local community for the wonderful effort that the church and city council are making."

He said that the church had just spent £200,000 on refurbishments to the church, including enhancing the entrance with new glass doors, re-pointing the church walls, and re-facing the clock on the tower.

"We are trying to ensure that the church will be still in good shape for to serve the community over the next fifty years," he said.

Rev Oakley said that Wolverhampton City Council had been "brilliant" in trying to maintain and improve the condition of the graveyard. Their investment has included resurfacing of paths and levelling unevenness in the grounds.

"Everyone concerned has worked hard to ensure that the church and its grounds are brought up to pristine standards."

A spokesman for the Diocese of Lichfield, Gavin Drake, added: "We would appeal to all people who live near St Phillips, and all our churches, to keep an eye open for anything unusual. We don't want our churchyards to become closed fortresses; and this means they are vulnerable to attacks like this. Therefore we rely on the goodwill of our neighbours to help protect our churches."