A Shropshire church has been told it will cost £76,037 for the congregation to spend a penny.

The Reverend Matthew Stafford today said water company Severn Trent has quoted him the amount to connect his church to the sewers.

Mr Stafford, 34, of Church Road, Wrockwardine Wood, was leading a bid to pump £250,000 of church money into revamping Holy Trinity Church in Holyhead Road, Oakengates.

But that was before Severn Trent’s quote – which would eat up almost a third of his renovation budget – landed on the doormat.

He said: “I had to tell them on the phone that the quote is obscene and outrageous. There’s no way we can pay so much and I’m sure our Parochial Church Council would agree.

“We’ll have to buy in some golden toilet paper too I suppose. It brings a whole new meaning to spending a penny but I’m not going to let it beat me.”

Archdeacon of Salop the Venerable John Hall was “flabbergasted” when he heard about the quote, said Mr Stafford.

The church dates back to 1855 and has a 50-strong congregation, but no loo or running water.

Mr Stafford added: “These days you have to have basic facilities for any public building and all we want to do is make it better for the congregation and wider community.

“Our plans will give it the wow-factor.”

The Church of England first considered updating the building in 1969.

Now it is seeking planning permission for the revamp but Mr Stafford said other options may have to be explored if the sewerage work cannot be done for less.

Church officials are preparing to approach other contractors for quotes and might opt for a septic tank instead.

A Severn Trent spokesman said: “Customers have to contribute towards the cost of any new sewer or lateral drain to serve a non-domestic site. The amount is dependent on several factors including sewer cost, and the number or size of any property or properties served by the new sewer.”

Extra renovation plans include a mezzanine floor and a kitchen. Mr Stafford hopes the work will be under way this summer and completed by the autumn.