A church in South Staffordshire today launched a fundraising fight to secure its future after metal thieves struck for the third time in three months, leaving the building needing a new roof and church leaders appealing for donations.

St Mary and St Luke Church in Shareshill is raising cash for temporary repairs pending permission for a permanent replacement, after the latest raid that has left church-goers devastated. Leaders say they will have no choice but to turn to the community for the £30,000 needed.

The ornate porch of the Grade II-listed building, off Church Road, was the latest target at the weekend.

Security firm Heritage Shield Limited has agreed to waive its costs for installing an alarm system but lay reader Chris Shaw said more help would be needed if the church was to survive.

“This is of grave concern but I do believe the community want the church there for marriages, weddings and baptisms and will support us,” she said.

“The good news is we have had a couple of offers of help including one offering to install this security system free of charge.”

Mrs Shaw, who discovered the fresh damage yesterday added: “It does make you think, where are we going as a society?”

Featherstone councillor Bob Cope said he had been devastated to learn of the latest raid.

“These thefts could be the death knell for churches with dwindling congregations,” he said.

The historic church was first targeted in June causing £300 worth of damage.

A further £4,000 of damage was caused earlier this month when crooks stripped the roof. Also in June thieves ripped lead from St Michael and All Angels Church in Tettenhall.