Historic churches could be in line for funding to help with the cost of restoration work.
Now Hipperholme-based energy efficiency and heritage roof specialist Ploughcroft is urging church officials to take advantage of the government’s Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund.
Listed churches can apply to the fund to make roof repairs up to the value of £100,000. However, in order to apply, churches must have a professional survey completed in advance, outlining all roof repair work necessary within the next five years.
Applications are now open and the funding will be allocated to successful applicants in 2016. Since the government announced the roof repair fund of £55m in the 2015 budget, more than half of the money has already been allocated.
Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins said: “Raising money for a church roof is such a typical British community pastime – and now that there’s Government money available, it’s important we properly inform communities’ local churches and places of worship about how to apply for it.
“The funding is a great way for iconic churches across the region to ensure that they get the roofing repairs that their building so desperately needs at a fraction of the cost.”
He said: “It’s a shame that so many churches are not aware that the funding even exists. Out of the 502 churches to receive the funding in 2015, only 35 of those were from Yorkshire and as a Yorkshire firm we want to make sure that this is not the case in 2016.”
Hilary Barber, vicar of Halifax Minster, said: “There should be more awareness of the government initiative so that other churches don’t miss out on the funding.
“The Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund isn’t something I had ever come across before, so it was great to hear about it. We’ll be looking at putting an application in this year with the help of Chris at Ploughcroft in the hope to repair our roof. ”
