Alkrington church receives £49,000 funding boost for crucial repair work

Alkrington church receives £49,000 funding boost for crucial repair work

St Thomas More Church in Alkrington is set to benefit from a crucial funding boost, thanks to a £49,000 share in a £1 million grant from the National Churches Trust.

The grant, which aims to address urgent repair needs across various churches, ensuring their preservation and safety, will total at £49,261. It will see the repair of the sacristy roof and window frames, making it watertight, weather-proof and safe to use.

At present, the roof has reached a critical state where further patch repairs are no longer viable. Without immediate intervention, the church, on Mainway, faces the risk of severe water damage, endangering both the structure and the congregation’s safety.

The grant will facilitate necessary repairs, securing the preservation of these invaluable items for present and future generations.

In the absence of this funding, St Thomas More Church would confront an uncertain future, with the congregation potentially needing to reassess the viability of the building.

The National Churches Trust says that the works are 'key to restoring the aesthetic beauty of this significant building, while ensuring it is fit for future generations by being weather-tight and watertight'. The new insulated roof will also help the church on its journey to net zero by reducing energy bills.

The church is a hub for the community, with groups such as Brownies, Parent and Toddler groups, Beavers, craft circles, an over 60s club and a drama society making use of the space.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "The National Churches Trust is excited to be able to support St Thomas More Church to enable them to carry out urgent roof repairs to their building. Not only will this protect be important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

A representative from St Thomas More church, said: “We were delighted and so grateful when we were awarded such a fantastic sum from the National Churches Trust.

“The funding helps us secure the building and allows us to continue to welcome parishioners and visitors to our fantastic parish, ensuring the church remains a much-loved and active part of the Alkrington community for generations to come.”

More about the church

St Thomas More church, is a striking modernist church from the 1970s. The architects were Desmond Williams & Associates. The modernist design has stratified horizontal layers, possibly influenced by Frank Lloyd-Wright or Denys Lasdun.