Revamp work to start on church

A major scheme to renovate a south Shropshire church will go ahead after nearly £330,000 was pledged towards the work.

The Reverend Richard Hill said today he was delighted with the results of a recent prayer and pledge weekend for St Laurence's Church in Church Stretton when people donated £148,000.

This will now be added to the £140,000 already promised by the parish church council and another £40,000 from another source, which means the renovation can proceed.

It is now hoped that the revamp of the interior of the church, which is set to cost about £530,000, will get under way next month and be completed early next year.

Mr Hill said: "Our intention is that it will be ready for the arts festival next year. In fact we have provisionally booked the bishop to come and do the service for us."

The first phase will include lifting out the pews and putting in an underfloor heating system.

The total cost of the project, which includes the development of the exterior of the church, is estimated to be £930,000.

Mr Hill said: "The main problem is that the church is cold in winter. All but 11 pews will go and there will be comfortable chairs instead and more space will be cleared at the front of the church."

Anyone wishing to make a donation should call (01694) 724224.