A PATHWAY leading up to a historic church in Lymm has been restored a month after it was targeted by callous thieves.

On the evening of August 16, a white van attended St Mary’s Church and a number of men stole York stone paving slabs, causing great distress to the community.

Particularly affected was some of the church’s elderly congregation, funeral directors carrying coffins and those looking forward to getting married there.

But residents rallied round to help out, offering spare paving slabs as replacements and donating money to buy new slabs through an online donations page.

The path has now been fully restored, and police are asking residents to stay vigilant and to report anything suspicious straight away.

In a tweet, Lymm Police said: “The paving has been replaced at St Mary’s Church.

Rector Revered Beverly Jameson after the slabs were stolen

Rector Revered Beverly Jameson after the slabs were stolen

“We will carry on patrolling the area, but we need your help residents of Lymm.

“If you see anything suspicious at or near to the church, please call us immediately.”

This was the second time the church path was targeted within a year, but Rector Revered Beverly Jameson praised the community after receiving hundreds of messages of support.

She said: “It is just wonderful that the people of Lymm, whether they have a faith or no faith, have supported St Mary’s Church and appreciate what we do in the community.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated York stone and contributed to the GoFundMe page to help repair St Mary's pathway.

“Lymm truly is a wonderful caring community."