Worshippers wait on cash

Final confirmation of cash to fund vital restoration work at an historic Black Country church is expected in the coming days – with worshippers crossing their fingers for a positive result from experts at English Heritage.

They have been looking at detailed planning work for St Thomas's Church, Market Street, Stourbridge, for the past month before releasing £65,000 funding. It is needed for a major project to restore the church's roof which has become worn over the years and is now letting in water.

It is just one is a series of schemes in the pipeline to restore the place of worship to its former glory.

Staff at the church, the only grade I listed building in Dudley borough, say they are expecting the final decision by the end of the week.

If the funding is released as planned work is set to start on the building almost immediately.

English Heritage offered the £65,000 for the scheme earlier this year to go towards the full £186,000 needed. Although the cash was offered the organisation still has to confirm it after seeing final plans.

More than £90,000 has been raised by church members through donations or staging events and members say they are confident of being able to bring in the rest.

Wooden beams were found to be secure despite their age.

This meant that work on the church's historic Georgian ceiling, the next phase of the restoration after the roof, can also take place, with only the plasterwork having to be repaired.

Members are also working to raise enough money so restoration of the ceiling can begin right after work on the roof is completed.

Church warden Brian Shaw said: "We are expecting the decision later this week.

"Experts from the charity have been looking at a few aspects of the project and we are, of course, hoping for a positive result and for the cash to be released.

"Everything is still on schedule and we are hoping to begin work on the roof over the next month or so."