WORK is due to start on essential roof and wall repairs to save a historic Teesdale church – just as worshippers have learned that it is to be placed on English Heritage’s at-risk register.
The congregation of St Mary’s, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, have “put their faith in god” after deciding to launch the much-needed project despite not yet having all the money.
About £120,000 is needed at the church and villagers have gathered about £60,000 through grants, contributions from county councillors, donations and the church’s own reserves. Phase one of the repair project, which is expected to start soon, will cost about £80,000, although the diocese is expected to bridge the gap with a loan. Decisions are also awaited on a number of other funding applications.
Phase two of the scheme will begin much later.
Revd Alison Wallbank, associate minister for Upper Teesdale Churches, said: “We are trusting in God that we’ll get more money – after all we are people of faith. The church will have to close if this generation doesn’t do something.”
The church had made a £60,000 bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund but it was rejected last year. A change in criteria means that if a second application is made, it too is likely to be turned down.
Mrs Wallbank said: “We haven’t got all the £80,000 for the first phase but we’ve decided to go for it. We’re not panicking – we’ve got some big applications in. We’ve got irons in the fire but we just can’t keep waiting.”
Among them is a bid to The National Churches Trust.
A failing roof structure means that the rot is already setting in at St Mary’s.
Plaster is peeling off the walls and falling down on the pews below as the damp comes in through the walls.
Water is seeping in dangerously close and fresh cracks are opening up at the Victorian church’s interior every week.
The north side of the roof is so wet it’s covered by moss. A chunk of downspout has also collapsed and parts of the exterior are visibly damp. The guttering and roofing system that can no longer cope. Phase one will mean the roof, pointing and peeling walls will be repaired. The next phase of the job will take place when the plastering has fully dried out, which will take about two years. It will give the congregation extra time to get the rest of the £120,000.
Meanwhile, the congregation has been told St Mary’s is now officially at risk.
“Historic England have been to see us and placed us on the Heritage At Risk Register not because it’s not cared for but because there is so much work to do,” said Mrs Wallbank.
