Funds agreed for ‘urgent repairs’ to deteriorating church building

South Cambridgeshire District Council has approved funding to help a church with repairs to improve public safety

A council has agreed to help fund “urgent repairs” to a village church amid safety concerns. St Andrew’s Church in Wimpole had already spent £14,000 of their own money repairing the aging building from damage caused by water ingress and deteriorating masonry.

The Grade II listed building is owned by the Diocese of Ely and, as well as providing church services, also hosts concerts, community events and art exhibitions. But the church’s future has been put at risk with water damage causing staining, plaster deterioration and even falling debris.

The church applied for £2,000 of funding from South Cambridgeshire District Council’s community chest to continue repairs. This will also go towards restoring two historic monuments – reattaching the lion to the effigy of Thomas Chicheley and cleaning and refixing the brass plaque to Reginald York.

This will cost £3,719 while the roof and masonry work will cost £11,234. The church said they will meet their remaining costs through fundraising activities, existing reserves, private donations and applications to external funders.

They have submitted applications to the Cambridge Historic Churches Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund – and secured a £1,000 private donation, with indications of future private support.

Council officers recommended approving the funding as it would support “the continued use of a well-used community facility and heritage site, ensuring it remains accessible to residents, visitors and researchers for years to come”.

They said the repairs were necessary to stop the building deteriorating further and to improve public safety. The council approved the funding.