FIRE-HIT CHURCH ‘CAN BE RESTORED’
‘Long and complex project’ in prospect
A FIRE-HIT church destroyed in a devastating blaze can be saved.
Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has made the decision after repeated visits to St John the Evangelist Church, in Trent Vale.
It follows last month’s blaze which ripped through the 170-year-old building and damaged the altar, pews, paint and plasterwork.
It also left a hole in the roof of the Grade-ii listed building.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service investigation has found the blaze started accidentally. Ecclesiastical Insurance has described the restoration as a ‘long and complex project’.
Claims director Jeremy Trott said: “It’s horrible to see churches damaged as a result of a fire – not only because of the damage caused to a beautiful historic building, but also the impact on the local community. The good news, if any can be taken from such a tragic
occurrence, is that this could have been so much worse and were it not for the swift action of the fire and rescue service the damage could have been far more severe.
“This is the moment of truth for our customers, who are relying on our expert advice and our support to help them through these difficult times.
“Sadly, this isn’t the first church fire we have dealt with in our 135 years of insuring churches but we know from previous experience that buildings can be restored, despite the extensive damage.”
Its church operations director Helen Richards added: “It’s terrible to see a church devastated in such a way, but I know that with the experience and skills we have at our disposal we can work to restore the church to its former glory.
“We have a huge amount of expertise in working with churches and we understand the complex nature of a restoration of this scale.
“We have done it before – so that’s the key message on day one, to give the community that reassurance that we can get the work done in a way that preserves as much of the history of the church as possible.”
Church services have been moved to the nearby St John’s Community Centre following the blaze.
Ecclesiastical Insurance has provided funding for the church to buy a projector and screen lost in the fire.
Its churchwardens said: “St John’s is a resilient, growing church and we are determined to carry on in worship and serving our community.”