The Chairman of the British Society of Master Glass Painters, Steve Clare, has written to state:
"I’m amazed that so little consideration has been given to other appropriate approaches to re- setting this very good quality glass. The decision to crop it to fit UPVC frames is vandalistic."
Connor McNeill, Conservation Adviser, The Victorian Society has written to the local authority, Runnymede Council Planning Department, to ask for clarification and what can be be done with enforcement.
The Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Shannon Saise-Marshall, has commented: "Thank you for sharing these photographs which speak for themselves, I’m deeply saddened by this. Please keep me up to date with situation."
We have also written to our local MP, Ben Spencer and await his response.
On social media, those who campaign for preserving and protecting local heritage have written:
"Look at the state of this though - it's like cutting out a Rembrandt with kitchen scissors and Pritt Sticking it into a photo album"
https://x.com/welshbuildings/status/1707369019370611019?s=20
"What fresh hell is this??"
https://twitter.com/welshbuildings/status/1698589004935954609?s=20
"This is horrible!" https://twitter.com/LainieLaHaye/status/1698777079536332806?s=20
"That is simply awful!" https://twitter.com/mike196013/status/1698770552293413125?s=20
"It appears to be a nasty, plastic, soulless hell."
https://twitter.com/Nest33445439/status/1698592223326081027?s=20
"What on earth! It’s disgraceful!How is this permitted"
https://x.com/JCelt/status/1707362197968413169?s=20
"Unbelievable. I don't have words ..."
https://x.com/pavementgeology/status/1707421231492776434?s=20
How can you help?
We are campaigning for an enforcement notice to be issued to restore the stained glass windows* to their original state with a more sympathetic window treatment**.
Please write in your objections to the Runnymede Council Planning Department:
planning@runnymede.gov.uk
Re: Planning application RU.23/1639 Christ Church Longcross
Thank you so much for any support in advance.
* high definition photos are available to recreate the missing stained glass
*** Historic England have clear guidance why uPVC is unsuitable for Grade II listed buildings