AN appeal has been launched after five petrol lawnmowers and a strimmer were stolen from a church in a Chorley village.

Parishioners at Charnock Richard CE Church on Church Lane were outraged on July 4 when the doors on the storage facility were broken into and the equipment for their ground and graveyard was stolen.

Among the items that were removed included Husquvarna self propelled 548S and two Stiga multi-chip mowers, a Honda mower and another petrol one which was donated to the church. There was also a Honda strimmer.

Meanwhile parish administrator Margaret Stewart said: “We were quite shocked as we have had them for some time.

“Most of the people who do the work are volunteers and they are trying to keep the grounds tidy.”We can only use petrol mowers as there are no charging points around the church. We have been amazed by the response by the community to try to get money to get new ones.

“A Justgiving page was set up and that has more than £490 in there and then a gentleman has come in with a cheque for £100.

“Charnock Richard has a great community spirit but to see them coming to help has been great.

“We need petrol ones also because of the rough terrain.”

Rachel Simm has created the Justgiving page and has set a target of £2000 for the church to get new equipment.

She said: “I suggested to set up the page as the church cannot afford to pay for new lawnmowers.

“There is a problem with the church roof and that needs repaired so I thought that the page would help to give them some money for the new equipment.

“It is disgraceful that some people should think of stealing from the church.

Sgt Paul Harrison of Chorley Police said: “People go to the church for worship and to pay respects to people who may have passed away.

“I’m sure that staff work tirelessly to keep the grounds looking pleasant so when people steal from places of this nature it just adds an extra layer of disappointment.

“We are looking into it and advise people to keep garages and outbuildings locked.

“If anyone has any information about the incident then contact 101 and use the log number LC-20190704-0562.

n If you want to donate visit https://bit.ly/2xz8q8V