A BLACKBURN church is undergoing major refurbishment after receiving a grant of almost £20,000.

St Francis Church, in Feniscliffe, Cherry Tree, has received £19,700 from the SITA Trust’s ‘Enhancing Communities Fund’ for the essential work.

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Work has started on re-pointing brickwork while other works will include new replacement windows, re-bedding ridge tiles, placing thermal insulation and the refurbishment of toilets.

Churchwarden Roy Parker said: “We are very fortunate to have been offered this funding.

“It is a well-used hall, hosting a variety of activities, so a lot of people and groups will benefit from the improvements being made.”

In 2012, the church launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to fix a dry rot problem that meant part of the church was unavailable for use.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw even called on the community to help and, after 18 months of hard campaigning, the church announced in August last year that the money needed had finally been raised.

One local councillor said after the success of the ‘Fix The Fungus’ campaign, the latest cash boost and refurbishment came as a real boost to the church and the wider community.

Meadowhead ward councillor Ashley Whalley said: “All three ward councillors are delighted that the church has been able to acquire this funding.

“Over the past few years it has been repaired and is now in excellent condition and now the rest of the site is about to benefit.

“The hall is incredibly well used and is becoming a real focus for community life in that part of our ward.

“We hope that residents in the area will take advantage and help boost community activity there.”

Marek Gordon, CEO and chairman of SITA Trust ,said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.23billion.”

The SITA Trust provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund, which is available to provide finance for projects that enhance communities and enrich nature.