Church to have £200,000 revamp

Around £200,000 will be spent repairing a landmark Grade II listed church in Kidderminster, it was revealed today.

Work will be carried out to Baxter United Reformed Church at the Bull Ring.

The 140ft spire can be seen from miles around and now repairs will be carried out to the tower and steeple, the roof, window frames, stained glass window and stonework.

English Heritage has awarded a grant of £110,000 and the congregation has raised £90,000 to fund the essential works.

The church was built between 1884 to 1885 and is named after Richard Baxter, a 17th century English Puritan clergyman.

The Reverend Gerald England said the repairs are "desperately needed" to safeguard the church for the future.

He believes the building will start to deteriorate significantly over the next five to 10 years if the work is not undertaken.

"It is a beautiful building with a unique design and has wonderful acoustics," said Mr England.