Lead thieves strike

Staff arrived for work at the Curator's House tearoom and restaurant in the Botanical Gardens on Clarkehouse Road, Broomhill, on Saturday morning to find holes in the roof.

Malcolm Donaldson, who leases the tearoom from Sheffield Council, said about 200 of lead was stolen, including ornate leadwork around a door arch, from the roof and around a chimney.

Thieves caused around 4,000 of damage, leaving holes in the roof.

It is believed the thieves parked in the car park of the neighbouring Belmayne House, also on Clarkehouse Road, to strip the lead. Malcolm said: "I am absolutely distraught."

He said the Victorian building was restored several years ago and visitors often admire the ornate leadwork.

Malcolm said he expects it will take some weeks to repair all the damage - but the tearoom will remain open for business.

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