Shock as church roof caves

NEIGHBOURS and chuchgoers have been left in shock after the roof of a well-used church has been closed due to a section of its roof collapsing.

Haslingden and Helmshore Baptist Church, on the corner of Warwick Street and Bury Road, has been shut since Monday morning after the roof reportedly “came crashing down”.

Neighbour Sharen Samuels said: “The church backs on to my garden. I was shocked to see that this had happened as the roof hasn’t been on that long. From my kitchen window I could see a little dip in the roof but didn’t think much of it, then a week later it came crashing down. Such a shame.”

Church minister Leroy Bowtell was unavailable for comment as we went to print.

However, Tim Presswood, North Western Baptist Association’s Regional Minister for Church

Life, said: “We were naturally very concerned to hear about the roof collapse at Haslingden and Helmshore Baptist Church. We give thanks to God that no-one was hurt.

“The trustees of Haslingden and Helmshore are liaising with the insurers of the building, as well as with the local authority to ensure that the building is safe and secure.

“The building will remain closed to the public until such time as we can be assured that it is safe to reopen.

“In the meantime, the church is seeking alternative accommodation for its programme of events and services for the local community. We are praying for all those involved.”

A Haslingden and Helmshore Baptist Church spokesperson posted on Facebook on Monday: “The Church Building is CLOSED due to safety reasons.

“Alternative arrangements and venues are being made and will be posted here as soon as we have confirmation.”

In 2014 the church suffered £40,000 of flood damage after vandals removed part of the roof membrane, causing six months worth of repairs.