Arson Attack at Bolton Parish Church: Emergency Services Called After Bins Set Alight
Key Highlights :
Vandals struck at Bolton Parish Church last Friday afternoon, setting three bins alight and prompting emergency services to be called to the historic site. Firefighters arrived at the scene, located in the centre of the town at Churchgate, to find three bins ablaze and were on the scene for about 30 minutes. The damage was limited, but the incident has been met with outrage by local councillors and church wardens.
Cllr John Walsh, an Honorary Lay Canon, was called to the scene and spoke of the efforts that had been made to make the area a welcoming spot for people in the town centre. He said: “It was an arson attack, they set fire to the litter bins. It did not do any damage to the church. We have been working to make it a pleasant area. We have tried to improve it and make if a space where people want to come in the middle of the town centre, there is nowhere else like it. We want to make it more welcoming so when this needless vandalism takes place it spoils it for everyone.”
This is not the first time the church has been targeted, with a St George's Flag being cut down last June and a historic suit being stolen in December. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they had been sent to the fire, saying: “At around 3pm on Friday 16 June GMFRS crews were called to reports of a fire in the grounds of Bolton Parish Church. One fire engine from Farnworth quickly attended the scene. Firefighters extinguished a fire involving a number of bins outside the church. Firefighters were in attendance for about half an hour.”
The church, which was built in 1871 and cost the equivalent of more than £4million in today’s money, is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Its tower is said to be the tallest in Lancashire with spectacular views across the area, while the interior contains many items of interest including fine stained glass windows, carved woodwork and a museum corner.
The mindless actions of the vandals who set the bins alight have been met with outrage by local councillors and church wardens, who have been working hard to make the area a pleasant and welcoming spot for people in the town centre. It is hoped that the perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice and that the church will be allowed to continue to serve as a beautiful and unique spot in the heart of Bolton.
