St John the Baptist Church is taking the security measures Pic: Tony Worrall

A rural church in Preston is to install CCTV due to being targeted by thieves.

St John the Baptist in Broughton has applied for permission to add the security system to the grade-II listed building.

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The church in plans to the city council says it needs the surveillance system due to ‘the repeated removal of stonework flags and leadwork’.

Eight cameras are due to be installed, with four inside and four outside. They will cover the Vicar’s vestry, chancel, nave and choir vestry.

The church tower dates from 1533, with some sort of church having been on the site since the 12th century.

In 2011 a significant restoration of the church was completed costing more than £200,000.

A heritage statement with the plans outlines how they are unlikely to affect the special interest or character of the building.

Do you use the church? What do you think about the decision to install CCTV? Let us know in the comments below