A RECTOR has criticised English Heritage for not backing him in his fight to save three historic stained glass windows.
The Reverend Ralph Shaw, rector of St Stephen's Church, Mile End Road, South Shields, applied for £40,000 to move the windows from nearby St Aidan's Church where they were in danger from vandals.
But English Heritage turned him down and now the church must raise £50,000 to mount and light the windows on its north wall.
The windows were designed to preserve the memory of the area's merchant seamen. They are currently boxed and in St Stephen's.
Mr Shaw said: "We were disappointed it was rejected, but it didn't come as a real shock.
"When it comes to churches there always seems to be less money available."
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