A church in Great Harwood is set to get a £900,000 refurbishment to improve disabled access and toilet facilities.
Leaders at Trinity URC and Methodist Church on King Street said they are hopeful of securing a ‘sizeable’ grant in September and work could start as soon as the Autumn.
Geoff Grundy, church steward, said the 140-year-old building needs new toilet facilities, disabled access and a lift to cater for exisiting and prospective users.
He said: “The church was built around 140 years ago and back then there wasn’t a lot of thought about disabled access, lifts or anything like that.
“We are going to level all the floors and provide new toilets and a lift.
“We want to make the building accessible for everyone and make the whole church available.”
Geoff, 69, said they will put in an application for funding from the Methodist Church ,who will make a decision in September, and they have other funds available from parishioners.
“The church is used every night by some organisation or group and we are hoping to extend that and open it up more during the day.
“We have already got planning permission and an architect in place.
The church recently held a ‘Showstoppers’ event featuring the Accrington Boys Brigade Band who entertained around 90 guests with songs from the shows and films.
The event raised £700 and the band, who practice at the church, will perform again later this summer at a garden party.
A ‘Big Sale’ auction will also held at the church on Saturday, April 11 from 10am to noon to raise funds.
