David Warburton, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Somerton & Frome has welcomed the announcement of a series of government repair grants to Somerset churches, including:
- £96,500 - St. Andrew’s Church, Mells
- £92,600 – the Church of St Luke and St Teresa, Wincanton
- £88,000 - St. Michael’s Church, Stoke St. Michael
- £83,500 - All Saints Church, Curry Mallet.
These churches are amongst the 502 churches across the UK which will receive a share of the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, to restore their roofs, gutters and stonework. This £55 million fund was announced in Budget 2015. A £30m fund is being made available now and will be followed by a second round worth £25m. Applications for the second round of funding will open later in the year.
David commented, “I’m delighted that these Somerset churches have received this vital funding. Our historic places of worship must be preserved, and his money will help ensure it remains in good repair for future generations.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said, “Churches and cathedrals are a unique part of our national heritage, and play a vital role in community life – we want to support them, and thanks to our long-term economic plan, we can.
“Whether it’s our country’s future or these important buildings, the sun is shining and we’re starting to fix the roof.”