Church re-roofing campaign receives £8,500 lottery boost
PARISHIONERS campaigning to re-roof a medieval church in Great Harwood have been given an £8,500 funding boost.
Organisers of St Bartholomew’s Church ‘Raise the Roof’ project said they have taken a ‘huge step forward’ after it received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Development funding of £8,500 has been awarded to help St Bartholomew’s progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.
David Harrison, who is leading the project, said: “We are really delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us their support.
“The church has been at the centre of the town’s heritage for over 500 years and it is fantastic to know that we are now a step closer not only to preserving it for many years to come, but also enhancing its use”.
The church needs to re-roof both the main nave and north aisle roofs, which have been a ‘major cause for concern for some considerable time’, and this has included slates falling from the roof.
Further improvements will remove potential hazards such as steps within the church, including ramping the entrances. It will also provide a larger space for community and other uses. A new website will be set up and brochures produced to provide schools and members of the public with detailed information on the heritage of the Grade II listed building.
It is expected that the work will be completed in summer 2017.
St Bartholomew’s can trace its roots back to around 1335 and is one of only two recognisable medieval churches in urban East Lancashire.
It originally served both Great Harwood and Rishton as well as the surrounding countryside.
The tower dates from the 15th century while the nave was rebuilt in 1595 after a fire.