INTRUDERS climbing on the roof of the Masonic Lodge in March have caused so much damage that the trustees are planning to raise the height of the roof to deter them.

Cambs Times: Masonic lodge March.Masonic lodge March. (Image: Archant)

A planning application has been submitted to Fenland District Council, applying to increase the height of the rear section of the City Road building and replace the remainder of the roof.

With the application is a statement that says: “It is hoped the small increase will serve to prevent access to the roof by intruders who have caused damage previously.” A barrier has already been erected on part of the roof to stop intruders climbing on it.

It is the 20-metre long roof of the function room that is earmarked for raising, with external walls going up a further 300mm before new roof trusses are installed. The roof to the Temple area will be replaced structurally, in the same alignment.

No additional floor area will be created, and apart from re-pointing of tiles, there will be no change to the front elevation.