Boots Opticians Darlington forced to cancel appointments following theft of lead from roof

The manager of an optical practice that was targeted twice by thieves has said that the removal of lead from the roof has caused “thousands of pounds” of damage.

The Northern Echo reported that Boots Opticians in Darlington was one of a series of shops that had lead stolen from the premises in April.

Optometrist and branch manager Michael McGrath told the newspaper that the practice was targeted again over the Easter holiday period with heavy rain severely damaging the third floor.

The top floor of the practice was closed due to safety reasons following the flooding.

“This has had a massive impact on our customers as we have had to cancel a number of appointments that are usually carried out upstairs in the building,” Mr McGrath said.

“It has also affected the staff as they no longer have anywhere to go on their breaks because they are not allowed into the staffroom,” he added.

Mr McGrath estimated that the damage would take “thousands of pounds” to repair.

A spokesperson for Durham Police confirmed that the force is investigating the theft of lead from properties in Darlington town centre.