Huge cash injection for run-down places of worship

St Peters Church, Newbold, is one of the churches receiving a large cash boost

Three churches in desperate need of repair have had a massive cash injection thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A total of £485,000 has been given to the Church of the Holy Trinity, Littleborough, Saint Peter's Church, at Newbold and the Church of St Paul, Norden, which is going towards much-needed repairs including re-roofing.

• Church of the Holy Trinity in Littleborough received £74,000 as an emergency grant offered early for masonry repairs, clock faces, and rainwater goods
• Saint Peter's Church in Newbold received £219,000 for re-roofing the nave and associated gables; and re-pointing of clerestory masonry
• Church of St Paul in Norden received £192,000 for masonry repairs to the tower and re-roofing work to the nave and north aisle. 

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and English Heritage (EH) is handing over the money as part of a national quest to repair places of worship, and has spent £7M nationwide.

The grants will help to repair 56 historic places of worship which are used by a broad range of faiths.

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “These special buildings are right at the centre of community life across the North West and they urgently need investment. This money will not only protect them for the future but also help to create jobs across the UK.

"Looking after our heritage is an incredibly effective way of supporting community life. This is recognised in today’s Government strategy for improving quality of place.

Serious investment like this goes well beyond looking after the bricks and mortar of a building, bringing with it substantial social and economic benefits too.”

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said, “English Heritage is delighted to be announcing these repair grants for historic places of worship – particularly on the day that the government launches ‘World Class Places’.

“Historic buildings connect us to our past and enhance our enjoyment of the places in which we live, work and worship.

These beautiful listed buildings are at the heart of our communities and they must remain in active use.

"We are especially pleased that buildings used by such a broad range of religious groups are being awarded grants this year.”