Work to repair the roof of an historic Elsecar church is to begin this month after nearly £90,000 has been raised in 18 months.

 

Elsecar Holy Trinity was in need of repair, having deteriorated because of  lead thefts, wear and tear and weather damage.

 

Parochial Church Council treasurer, Isobel Sharman, said the repairs which will include work on the nave, chancel, vestry roof and gutters will cost £230,000. The church has raised almost £90,000 from donations and fund-raising events and has received a grant of £139,000 from the English Heritage Lottery Fund.

 

“We have just about done it,” she said.

 

“Hopefully by the time the work is done and bills are in we will have raised the full £90,000.

 

“People in Elsecar have given quite a lot and they have supported everything we have done and we have had some generous donations as well.”

 

Rev Alison Lamb said work should be completed by December 14 and a celebration is planned for June next year to tie in with the 170th anniversary of the church.

 

“It’s a huge thanks to the community because we would never have done it without their support,” she said.

 

“Just over 12 months ago we didn’t even think we would be in a position to try and raise the money, It’s a huge effort on everybody’s part.”

 

Scaffolding will be put in place in order to access the roof and this will block access to cremation plots. However Rev Lamb said the contractors carrying out the work were experienced in working on church sites and apologised for any disruption it might cause.