A PARISH priest is fighting against vandalism and arson attacks in an attempt to create a peaceful spot for the community.

In the past year, the churchyard at Christ Church, in Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, has been the target of arson attacks, had walls demolished and motorbikes driven across graves.

Relatives visiting graves frequently report finding evidence of solvent abuse in the churchyard, or that gravestones have been damaged.

The Reverend Barry Abbot, parish priest and area dean of Chester-le-Street, said there has been no let-up in the vandalism since he arrived at the church three years ago.

He said: "It's just wearing me down. There has been a constant degree of vandalism that does have a very big impact both financially and pastoraly for families with relatives buried here.

"It really is sad that people can't respect these open spaces. I don't want it to become a no-go, area where people feel frightened. We're still an open churchyard, we still have the occasional burial."

Despite the problems of vandalism, Mr Abbott is trying to turn the Victorian churchyard into a place for everyone in the community to use.

He would also like anyone who has a family gravestone at the church to contact him, because part of the restoration involves restoring gravestones that are in a poor condition. Where no relatives or ancestors can be found, the church committee will have to find the money.

"We want to pull it back into shape for future generations to be proud of," Mr Abbot said.

"It's public property and if people want to get involved in the restoration, or have an interest in the churchyard, then people should contact me.

"We're not going to get rid of stones, but we need community help to restore them."

Mr Abbott can be contacted on 0191-388 2228.