A DEVIZES church has been forced to lock its doors in the days running up to Christmas, after vandals kicked in the door to the bell tower and stole cash from a collecting box.

They struck at St James' Church, Southbroom, between 10am and 6pm last Thursday, when £6 was stolen.

The vicar, the Rev Chris Tebbutt, has admitted his frustration that the church will have to be kept locked, except for services.

But he said that until the door to the bell tower can be made secure, the church will have to be kept locked for safety reasons.

"We cannot risk a child perhaps finding their way up the tower and getting tangled in the bell ropes, or falling down the steps," he said.

"The damage caused by the intruder was slight but the inconvenience is great.

There are many people at this time of year that want to come into church to pray or just to commune with their thoughts, and it is very frustrating they cannot be allowed to."

Rev Tebbutt believes the damaged door, a sturdy panelled door with studs, thought to be more than 100 years old, can be repaired without too much expense.

He said: "The important message is that we are still open for business. Hopefully, we will get the door fixed before Christmas so that people can come into church any time they want."

Police have appealed for witnesses. Anyone with information should call Devizes police station on (01380) 722141.