A CHURCH which has been targeted by vandals has been given a security boost thanks to a kind-hearted community group.

Trinity Methodist Church in Tonge Fold had a front window – positioned above the church door – smashed in late November last year. Yobs picked up a large painted pebble that was decorated for Remembrance Day and threw it at the window.

Then on New Year’s Eve, half a brick was hurled at the same window, not long after it had been repaired.

These are not the first occasions vandals have caused a nuisance at the church.

Before the coronavirus restrictions were imposed last year, the Tonge Old Road church hosted groups including a snooker club on Wednesday nights. A couple of the club members, who parked their cars at the side of the church, found windows of their vehicles had been smashed at the start of last year.

After hearing about the problems, Tonge Fold Neighbourhood Watch stepped forward and offered to pay for CCTV cameras at the site, which cost around £1,300.

Property steward Frank Worsley said: “One of the members shared it on the Tonge Fold Neighbourhood Watch group and the chairman Dave Edmondson got involved and said he could help with the CCTV.

“We are absolutely chuffed. Like everybody else we are struggling financially and we have not been opened since the first lockdown like the rest of the methodist churches.

“The cameras should help us a lot. We are really grateful to Dave.”

Mr Edmondson added: “I’m hoping the cameras will act as a deterrent, make churchgoers feel safer, and where required, help bring those causing damage to justice.”

The watch group has also paid for “caution children crossing” and “no parking” signs to be put up outside Tonge Moor Primary Academy and has changed hanging basket plants in the area.