‘A big thank you’ for £5k church grant
Repair work is now set to start on St Mark’s
WORK is set to start on repairing a village church after the project received funding from the council.
The Post & Times revealed two weeks ago that the Moorlands Partnership Board, which is run by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, had awarded St Mark’s Church in Foxt a grant of £5,250.
Now residents say that they are preparing for work to go ahead which will keep the church in good shape for many years.
A spokesman said: “Everybody in Foxt is delighted to learn of the award of a grant from the Moorlands Partnerships Board.
“This funding of £5250 will enable repairs to the roof, which will put the church building in good shape for many years to come.
“Village residents recognise this wonderfully kind gesture and wish to express their thanks to the Moorlands Partnership Board.
“The church community is keen to get the job started and finished during the months of improving weather.
“It will be exciting to watch work progress and we look forward to this further aspect of enhancement to our beautiful church.
“A big thank you!”
Speaking at the board meeting, regeneration officer Joanne Brookes said: “St Mark’s is a listed church lying in the village of Foxt and dated 1838.
“A cycle of restoration works began in 2009 with the reinforcement of the roof structure, refurbishment of the interior, providing hospitality amenities and repairs to the boundary walls and gate posts.
“The repair of the roof will be a culmination of the refurbishment works.
“The roof repairs consist of removing the existing tiles, to a height of one metre above the gutter line and replacing the felt, batons and lead flashing.
“The coping stones will also be lifted and re-bedded. Two estimates have been received for the works, the lowest of which totals £7,000.
“Members of the Board are recommended to approve a 75 per cent grant of £5,250 towards the cost of eligible works totalling £7,000 (exclusive of VAT).
“The work will be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions.”