A GRADE II-listed church building is in desperate need of repairs after being subjected to vandalism and fly-tipping over the past few months.

Members of the congregation at St Thomas and St John in Radcliffe say the church has become the target of theft.

They say the railings from the disabled access ramp have been “systematically destroyed by vandals" and subsequently stolen.

Strips of lead have also been taken from the roof.

The church grounds have been used as a "rubbish tip", with nappies sofas, glass and other waste being dumped.

And to top it all off, the congregation has got to fundraise for roof repairs due to a serious issue with dry rot under the nave floor.

Carol Cain, vice-chairman of the Parochial Church Council, said: “The bannister railings were stolen. The uprights were damaged. The stonework on the ramp was hammered. Then builders came and put ropes up so people had something to hold onto. Now they have been cut off. What good is a three-foot piece of rope to anyone? It is just vandalism.

“We have also been subjected to fly-tipping and drug taking. It has been going on for months.”

Less than 12 months ago, the church spent £68,000 on the new ramp for disabled access but it has been destroyed "bit by bit".

To add to the financial burden, the church is fundraising for roof repairs.

Carol said: “The lead spouts that take the rain off the roof have been stolen. Lead has also been taken from the side rooves so water is coming down the wall of the church and damaging the paintwork.

“The church is in dire need of a new felt roof. The whole roof needs replacing.

“St Thomas and St John is the most prominent church in Radcliffe. If the work is not done, it could close.

“We are doing our best to raise money but we are an elderly congregation and need all the help we can get.”

The latest quantity surveyor estimate for the roof repairs stood at £139,000 plus VAT but this figure could increase if asbestos is found. The estimated cost for timber treatment is £25,000.

Already, the 70-strong congregation has held a band concert which added more than £200 to their funds, as well as raising £200 for the Royal British Legion.

Their weekly Saturday cafe is also helping to raise money for the building fund. In addition to this, the congregation gives to local mission, charities and overseas.

A huge appeal to the public resulted in Radcliffe's old civic window, which depicts the town's coat of arms, being restored and repositioned at St Thomas and St John's Church, in Blackburn Street. It was dedicated in June this year.

Carol said: "Our fundraising is in its infancy. If we could have a benefactor that would be brilliant. We will also look to apply for grants but we will probably have to do match funding.

"The people of Radcliffe did us wonderfully in raising money for our civic window and now we are asking them to help us save our church.

“We cannot let this iconic church go.”