Leaky Hackthorn church gets £10,000 for roof repairs

A Lincolnshire church in need of urgent repairs has been awarded £10,000 for renovation works.

The Grade II-listed St Michael & All Angels church in Hackthorn has a leaky roof, which is causing damage inside, including to the organ.

The grant will help to pay for repairs to make the building watertight again, the National Churches Trust said.

Officials said the roof was in such poor condition areas of the church had to be roped off due to pooling.

A spokesperson for the National Churches Trust said the building, which is used by the local school and for concerts, festivals, lectures and tours, was at risk of further deterioration.

The money for the repairs has been awarded by the Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation, in partnership with the the National Churches Trust.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the trust, said: "Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people."

Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, added: "Churches sit in the heart of their communities - beacons of support for local people."

The church is one of 43 across the UK to share £478,110 of funding in this latest round of grants.

Mr Ramsbottom said it was vital "we keep these glorious buildings open and in good condition".

Church treasurer Bill Brown, who has led the project, said: "Our church, which is open daily, is greatly valued [by the local community].

"We work hard to keep our lovely church welcoming and well cared for, but having a leaking roof has made this very challenging," he said.

"When the building is watertight again, we shall work towards restoring the internal decoration which has been impacted by the leaks and begin to address the damage that has been done to our historic organ," he added.

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