CHARMOUTH: Residents of the village turned out in force to a public meeting in aid of restoring St Andrew’s Church after news that it faces closure.

The church building has been described as ‘in a seriously bad condition’ by Rev Stephen Skinner, with estimated costs for repair of the roofing, stonework, woodwork, drainage and refurbishment at anything up to £300,000.

Within the Church of England financial system parish churches are solely responsible for their own repairs – but funding reserves for St Andrew’s Church fall extensively short at around £25,000.

Back in September, a letter was sent to all 800 households of Charmouth which urged them to lend their support towards restoring the church and told of a public meeting on September 30 at the church.

The letter to residents stated: “If you want your church to remain open we need your help; we need to form a fundraising group to apply for every grant we might qualify for. If we cannot raise the money, then closing the building is a real risk.

“But at the same time every crisis is an opportunity; this is a chance to bring new life to one of the most valuable and largest community spaces in Charmouth.”

The public meeting with Revd Skinner and Archdeacon Paul Taylor explained the situation, and sought support from the village for their parish church which is used for christenings, weddings and funerals.

Revd Skinner told The News: “The Parochial Church Council (PCC) does not have the money in reserves to help pay for these repairs, and if we cannot get the necessary grants or donations the building is in a real danger of ultimate closure.

“We need the support to share the responsibility with the community of which this church stands at the heart.

“The public meeting was attended by more than 40 people including representatives of the Parish Council and West Dorset District Councillor Daryl Turner.

“It is clear that particularly due to significant water ingress, there is a challenge to address dry rot and create a building fit for the future.”

Revd Skinner added that the meeting had ‘a very positive atmosphere’ with lots of suggestions and constructive questions.

The community explored how the building could become multi-purpose to serve the village’s needs better, starting with removing the pews and using chairs.

Ideas included a visitor’s centre, space for arts and crafts exhibition, workshops, more hospitality – such as after funerals or christenings – and a fossil museum linked to the Heritage Coast Centre.

Rev Skinner said: “We have now authorised remedial works to deal with the incidence of dry rot in the rear room and under the tower, thanks to a £20,000 grant.

“This does not yet address the underlying problems of water penetration. Eight people have volunteered to join an exploratory group that will follow up and liaise with groups and individuals in Charmouth.”

Another public meeting at the church to follow up on progress and consult further with the village community has been arranged for November 11, at 7.30pm.