MP for South Leicestershire, Alberto Costa, has voiced his support for a local church’s public appeal after they were left with a shortfall of almost £12,000 following two burglaries and a flooding which took place earlier this year.
The appeal has been launched by the Misterton Parish Church Council in aid of St. Leonard’s Church in Misterton, near Lutterworth. The Grade II listed church, which had its crypt flooded following a boiler malfunction, was also burgled on two subsequent weekends, including Good Friday, when roof metal was stolen alongside the church’s safe, parish records and organ piping.
Alberto said, “I was very sad to hear of the terrible events that have affected St. Leonard’s since the beginning of the year. As a Grade II listed building, the church has a very rich history and takes pride of place in the local community around Misterton and Walcote, which only highlights the importance of this appeal”.
Misterton District Councillor, Jon Bateman, added, “The Parish Church Council have done excellently in promoting this appeal, and I am very grateful for the support of our local MP, Alberto, in raising it further. The church is incredibly important to the people of this area and of course, I’m sure the congregation would be very grateful for any donations members of the public might wish to make”.
Priest of St. Leonard’s, Canon Brian Davis, said, “"Misterton church is an outstanding building, well worth preserving, but like many other churches is very vulnerable and has recently suffered two break-ins and the theft of all the copper from the north aisle roof. Our appeal is to cover the shortfall in the insurance cover but also for a badly needed new boiler. We have already received several generous donations but we still have a long way to go to meet our target of £12,000".
Alberto concluded, “I am very proud to support this appeal for St. Leonard’s. The church plays such an incredibly important role in the local community, both as a place of worship and a place of meeting, and I am confident that the people of South Leicestershire will be more than happy to support this very worthwhile cause”.
For those wishing to make a donation towards the St. Leonard’s Church appeal, donations can be sent (made payable to Misterton Parish Church Council) to St. Leonard’s Church, Misterton c/o Mr Keith Wilding, 24 Brook Street, Walcote, LE17 4JR
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Attached picture shows St. Leonard’s Church in Misterton – photo taken from their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Mistertonchurch1/photos/a.1453925921520736.1073741825.1453924131520915/1453925948187400/?type=1&theater