THE congregation of a Ribble Valley church is hoping to raise around £40,000 to completely replace the presbytery roof.
The roof is in a state of disrepair after strong wind and rain over Easter exposed rot and faulty tiles which caused the building to flood.
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The property, which was constructed in 1958, is home to Father Leo Heakin, who is in charge of St Mary’s RC Church in Langho, and is also used by church groups and the governors of St Mary’s RC Primary School in the village.
Work is hoped to be started in the summer at the York Lane building, which is located next to the church, and the congregation is aiming to raise the money needed instead of applying for grants.
Fr Heakin, who has been at the church for more than four years, said: “When it flooded at Easter I was downstairs and heard a rush of water.
INGRESS: Father Leo Heakin’s home was built in 1958 and has suffered a leak at the top of the stairs
“I went to the stairs and there was a lot of water coming down and it appeared that a roof tile had failed, letting all the water in.
“We do not yet know the full extent of the damage and what needs to be done but at the very least is a whole roof replacement.
“It’s a big job for an important building for this community as it is used a lot by the church but also by the local school.
“The building has been in use since 1958 and it’s no wonder that major work needs doing on it.
“The roof of the church itself was completed about 10 years ago.
“A full costing has not been done yet, but I expect that the work will cost around £40,000 which we are hoping to raise ourselves.
“During the work, which I hope is done during the summer months, I hope not to be turfed out of the house and that the workmen can get on with the job while it is still used by the church.”
A spokesman for the Diocese of Salford said: “Every community is called to exercise good stewardship over its resources.
“The Diocese of Salford recognises that the work at St Mary’s Langho needs to be carried out and has every confidence that the parish community will successfully bring the work to completion as it looks to the future with confidence.”
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