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'The cathedral of the Black Country' left with bill for stained-glass window

A church known as 'the cathedral of the Black Country' has been left with a hefty bill to restore one of its stained-glass windows.

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An appeal for £33,000 was launched by parishioners at St Mark's Church in Pensnett after a large chunk of a large chunk of masonry fell from a window on to the chancel steps during Holy Week in 2014, prompting a safety scare.

Work got underway to restore the stained-glass rose window in September, but it has now been discovered that it is in a worse state of disrepair than what was thought.

The large piece of stone that fell out of the window

Marion Ovenall, parishioner for several years at the church, said:"We had one quote and then with VAT and architect fees it has doubled from what we originally thought.

"Once the scaffolding went up and the workmen got up there, they realised that all the glass and led was bowed and some of it was cracked.

"It is looking at being around £53,000 now – it is terribly sad and just draining us.

"We are trying to do the best we can, as we also need to keep money for the heating.

The impressive rose window at St Mark's Church, Pensnett

"We expected it to be done by the Christmas carol service but now it looks like it'll be in the new year or February.

"We are urging the people of Pensnett to come forward and help us in any way they can. It would be great to have some more support."

Funds had steadily been raised – with around £18,000 collected through fundraising, and a boost of £10,000 by the late church treasurer Robert Morgan.

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