Dozens of church buildings in the region at risk

Littleborough’s Holy Trinity Church of England frequently requires repairs

The first ever sample survey of the North West’s nearly 1,300 listed places of worship published today (Wednesday 30 June) by English Heritage suggests that 12% are potentially at risk of needing urgent major repairs.

The listed places of worship in the North West include 284 in Lancashire and 312 in Greater Manchester.

The survey, which is part of English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk initiative, was carried out to assess the state of repair of places of worship.

English Heritage has also researched how congregations are coping with the responsibility of looking after the buildings, especially in today’s difficult economic climate, and is revealing new evidence on the importance of the country’s two main grant schemes for places of worship.

The region’s churches, temples and chapels are irreplaceable architecturally, and 11% are designated at Grade 1 – the highest ranking, denoting outstanding national significance.

In response to the survey, English Heritage has produced Caring for Places of Worship, a practical guide and DVD pointing congregations in the direction of help and advice.

Henry Owen John, English Heritage North West Regional Director, said: “That 88% of places of worship are in fair condition is a huge testament to the hard work of their congregations. By undertaking this survey we have uncovered truly inspiring stories of how local people have turned neglected places of worship into dynamic centres of local life.

“But we are also aware that many other places of worship face very uncertain futures. The 12% we estimate to be vulnerable in the North West would translate into nearly 160 buildings. Ultimately, we will add the most vulnerable to our Heritage at Risk register, making it easier for congregations to get help from heritage organisations, local authorities and the community.”

Without support since 2002 of £28m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage found that 76% of congregations would not have been able to complete their repair and maintenance project.

Nationally, this means that without funding over the last five years 1,190 of England’s most important places of worship would have become seriously at risk and 30% state that they would have closed – 17% indefinitely.

Littleborough’s Holy Trinity Church of England frequently requires repairs. Reverend John McGrath said: “We recently got the steeple done and we now have to repair part of the roof. Since I’ve arrived we’ve not stopped. Without the English Heritage Fund we couldn’t do it.”

Simon Thurley, English Heritage Chief Executive, added: “We are urging the leaders of the different faith groups and Christian denominations to make the launch of Caring for Places of Worship the biggest ever co-ordinated offer of help to local congregations, reinforcing the good work already being done and supporting those that are struggling.

“And I encourage everyone who cares about their local church, chapel, synagogue or other place of worship to lend a hand. The key is to do small things really well. Clearing gutters could save the need for a whole new roof costing thousands of pounds.”