A PORT Glasgow town centre church has come under attack again after an intruder tried to break in.

Reverend William Boyle at Port New Parish is now faced with spending more money on security, as the police increase patrols in the area.

Scaffolding was found against a wall at the back of the building and a window had been tampered with.

The minister says it is a big blow for the parish as they try to reach out and help the community.

He said: "I really don't want to spend money keeping people out of the church, I want to spend the money bringing them in.

"We would rather help people than turn our church into a fortress.

"I just wonder what do they think is in there when they break in.

"I would say to people don't steal from us - if you need help come and ask.

"We will do everything we can to help people."

William says that the location of the church means it is a target.

He told the Tele: "It just seems to be where the church is, it is quite secluded and attracts anti-social behaviour.

"We have had problems finding alcohol and all sorts.

"We walk the grounds every day and found the scaffolding up with the ladder as well.

"We have no idea if they have dumped the ladder to come back again or have tried and gave up.

"We later found the someone had damaged the window which our property team is looking at.

"Sadly it is costs we can do without."

The Church Street building also came under attack over the festive period.

Rev Boyle added: "We can't thank the police enough for all their help. They have given lots of security advice and support. The community police are great."

William took over last year on the same day the churches closed because of the pandemic and has spent the last 12 months bringing his parish together using online services.

Most recently they set up a mental wellbeing group and there are plans for linking up with lots of other community groups like the Walking Football network.

He said: "It has been very hard over the last year.

"We have kept in touch with members of our congregation but some don't have wifi and they don't have access to laptops and tablets so they have really missed out.

"We have tried to do as much as we can.

"We just want to get people back to church safely."