TWO Haslingden landmarks, Manchester Road Methodist Church and the former Liberal Club, are to be given face-lifts thanks to grants from the Action for Haslingden Partnership.

Both are classified as important landmarks under Rossendale Council's key buildings scheme.

Town centre project officer Barry Clayton said: "It's important for the look of the town that we treasure our older buildings with their distinctive architecture."

Members of the church had agreed on a major £400,000 scheme for the refurbishment and repair of the buildings and have already collected £45,000 through direct giving and local fund-raising.

No major work has been done on the church since it was built in 1857 but now, thanks to a grant of almost £25,000 from the Partnership, work on the Grade 11 listed building is well underway.

Work includes refurbishment of the original slate roof together with restoration of stone copings and parapets. The estimate of the first phase of the scheme is almost £150,000.

A second grant of up to £2,400 has been awarded to Stephen Barton Insurances Ltd who will move into the former Liberal Club in Manchester Road at the end of the month.

The money is towards a comprehensive package of work including re-roofing, stonework and renovation of windows.

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