A TENTH century riverside church used by residents and pupils from a nearby school has been the target of vandals.

St Peter’s Church, a Church of England parish church at Dixton, had a section of glass stained window smashed by a large flat stone, possibly a roof tile, sometime between Friday (8th July) evening and Sunday (10th July) morning.

The window dates back to 1862 and is only four feet from the outside ground level. Although it looks to be extensively damaged, it is thought to be repairable as many sections of the broken glass are still there.

Standing close to the River Wye, the Grade II listed whitewashed church is a popular stop off point for Wye Valley walkers and is used by the Haberdashers’ Agincourt School four times a year for harvest and other seasonal services.

Vandalism is not the only problem the church has suffered over the years. An antique brass chandelier, thought to be Flemish and dating back to 1750 was taken in 2011 and on two occasions lead has been stripped from the roof.

Liz Wills is treasurer of the Dixton Parochial Church Council (PCC) and said the church is open all day every day with no plans to change that.

“Whilst we are all saddened by this senseless vandalism, we will remain open during the day and continue to welcome all those who wish to enjoy the peace and tranquility,” she said.