Julian has encouraged parishes across the constituency to apply to a £15 million fund for the repair of roofs and guttering on vulnerable listed church buildings.
The money was made available by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement and aims to support historic church buildings which are at the heart of communities, both as places of worship and hubs of wider community activity.
Applications to the fund have to be made by 30 January 2015 and can be made to support any listed church building where roof and gutter repairs have been identified as urgent and necessary. Grants can be between £10,000 and £100,000.
Julian said:
“85 per cent of the population visit a church building at least once a year – either for worship or as a centre for activity in a community. It is important we protect these important buildings and this fund will help ensure there is funding available for essential maintenance.
“I would encourage parishes across the constituency to find out more information about the fund and, if they are eligible, apply for the money to help maintain our vulnerable listed church buildings and keep them open as safe and sustainable places in our communities.”
More details about the fund are available on the ChurchCare website at www.churchcare.co.uk