WORSHIPPERS have been left stunned after vandals attacked their church, forcing a funeral to be moved and regular services to be disrupted. Dobwalls Methodist Church was hit by vandals, who damaged their oil supply, causing 100 litres of oil to leak into the ground, contaminating the soil beneath it. Due to the vandalism, which started in May, a funeral service had to be moved to Trevelmond chapel, and regular services and groups have been forced to be held elsewhere. The church itself has been out of bounds since June, due to health and safety concerns, with worship and meetings being moved to the schoolroom.

Damage A spokesperson for Dobwalls Methodist Church said: 'The feed pipe itself was cut with a pincer-type tool and reports were made to the police and church authorities. The tap for the oil supply was found in the open position, with the handle removed, the pipe and nut removed and oil was flowing into the ground.' Work to repair the damage started recently, and specialist workers have had to dig down seven feet outside and five feet inside the chapel to remove the contaminated soil, which filled three skips. 'The oil tank and boiler have since been removed due to them being at risk,' added the spokesperson. Vandals also targeted the electrics on an outbuilding owned by the church. Superintendent Minister for Liskeard and Looe Ruth Goodland, pictured, said: 'It's been very upsetting for the locals but our thanks go to our congregation and friends who have continued to support our worship, meetings, lunches and coffee mornings,'