A CHURCH has been targeted by thieves who made off with copper piping – cutting of its water supply.

The theft has devastated elderly churchgoers who regularly attend Golftyn Presbyterian Church on Church Street, Connah’s Quay.

It means the boiler cannot be operated for heating and the toilets are out of use.
Members of the church also say they will now struggle to raise the funds to replace the piping.

Morfydd Auty, who has been a member of the congregation of the church, known as Golftyn Chapel, for more than 65 years, said: “Finance is a big problem for us. The piping will have to come out of money donated by the community.

“For the amount they’ve stolen, I don’t think they’re going to get much for it. But it’s going to cost the church a lot of money to replace it.”

She added: “The church is the centre of the community, so many people use the it for christenings, marriages and funerals. Young people are involved with the church, planting bulbs outside it, and the school is fantastic.”

The church is also used for a ladies group which meets every Thursday.

“The group is mainly ladies in their 70s, 80s and 90s and they can’t even make a cup of tea or use the toilet with the church like this,” said Morfydd.

“This has upset a lot of elderly people. The boiler’s not working either because the water’s turned off so there’s no heating.”

Members of the congregation are currently looking into an estimate for the cost of replacement piping.

A spokesman for North Wales Police confirmed the force had received a report about the theft.

He said: “The theft is believed to have happened between September 26 and 30.

“Enquiries are under way and nobody has been arrested at this time.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0845 607 1002 for the English language line or 0845 607 10001 for the Welsh language line.

To donate towards the cost of new piping, call Morfydd on 01244 813605.