FUNDS to fix the roof at St Luke’s Church in Langley Marsh have received an £8,000 boost.

The donation from the Fairfield Trust to the Up On the Roof fund, together with support from local charities, means a significant sum of funding to refurbish the roof and connect to mains water is now in place.

Work on the roof is complicated because of the original materials used, the age and integrity of the building, its heritage and value in the local and national architectural canon.

Hilary Miller, of St Luke’s Committee, said: “More expert advice will have to be sought – ways forward depend on the age and condition of the corrugated tin. “Best conservation practice is to retain as much of the original fabric as possible. However, the roof will have to be fully examined and the reasons for water leaks identified.

“The soundness of the structure will also need assessing. This, together with the possible future addition of insulation are all primary concerns in progressing the project.”

Works on heritage buildings are expensive, often protracted and can reveal unknown issues.

Hilary added: “More funding will undoubtedly be needed and we hope everyone will continue to support and enjoy the events planned at St Luke’s this summer.”