A CHURCH at the heart of a Dales community is under threat of closure unless cash can be found to carry out crisis repairs.

St Margaret’s Parish Church, in the centre of High Bentham, needs to raise more than £130,000 in the next five years, on top of its normal income, to remain open.

The Grade II listed building requires a new roof, a replacement organ, disability access and emer-gency work on the tower, which will cost £25,000 to repair.

The tower is, in fact, the immediate concern as the iron used in its construction has rusted and must be replaced.

“If people want to save the church then they need to act now,” warned priest-in-charge the Rev Clive Burgess. “While we can apply for grants the stark reality is that without community help, the church will have to consider closing.

“We struggle to meet our day-to-day running costs as we rely mainly on congregation donations “The church members are working hard to raise funds but it is not possible for them to do it all. If anyone could make a donation, no matter how small, or arrange a fundraising event or have any ideas I would be happy to discuss them.”

Maintenance work on the Station Road church, known as the ‘Church on the Hill’, has not been carried out for between 15 and 20 years due to a lack of funding. The parochial church council has appealed to the Bradford Diocese and other grant agencies for money, but Mr Burgess said this would not be enough.

“In this current economic climate it is very difficult to get any money from organisations,” he said. “It also means that local people may not have as much to give.”

“The church is and always has been an important part of the community. Health care and schooling both started there and I would ask anyone even if they don’t come to church regularly to think of the significance of this building and help us raise the money needed.”

To make a donation, call 015242 62119 or email revdclivebur-gess@btinternet.com