AN HISTORIC building in Monmouth has suffered at the hands of thieves again as moonlight raiders return to remove more of the complex's lead flashings.  

 The high cost of metals has meant that historic buildings like Drybridge House have become vulnerable targets for unscrupulous operators.

And on Friday morning staff at the town's Bridges Community Centre arrived at the complex to see the results of the latest raid – lead flashing stripped from the whole length of the Agincourt Hall ridge. 

This is the third time the Grade II listed building has been raided since the centre took over the former stately home in 2000 and spent a few years renovating and extending Drybridge House.

The first time the centre was targeted was during the early hours of May 27, 2008 but on this occasion the thieves were disturbed. They returned a few weeks later and removed a large quantity of lead from various locations, leaving large areas of the building badly exposed.

Bridges Community Centre Director, Mark Walton admitted that the theft was not covered by the community centre's insurance, a standard clause on many old buildings' insurances.

He added: "We are now a serious situation in which much of our roof area has had its lead flashing stolen. We have already replaced the previous thefts with felt and plan on repairing Agincourt Hall in the same way.

"Ideally we would like to replace it with lead, but I feel that a modern day fibreglass equivalent would be a better option. It looks the same and wouldn't be tempting to thieves. However this option, because of its status, would depend on CADW, the Welsh heritage body.

"This is going to cost us, we are a charity already trying to make ends meet and situations like this are not helpful. Which ever option we go for we shall be applying for grants to carry out the work, a cost that runs into thousands of pounds."  

Mr Walton added that the building is watertight, and the function of the centre which is at the heart of the community, remains unaffected.