A Telford vicar fears his church roof could collapse and is calling for help from residents to raise £180,000 for urgent repairs.
Members of Wombridge Parish Churchlaunched a roof appeal last autumn but after this winter’s heavy snow the Rev Kevin Evans now fears the building’s roof tiles could slip off.
He said: “The snow on the roof could have pulled the whole lot down. Thankfully it didn’t but there are signs that tiles are starting to go.
“We do get trouble with very heavy rain storms and water then starts coming through. We can’t wait for a disaster to happen. The repairs need doing.”
Although he has been reassured the 1869 church is safe for public use, he is concerned the longer they wait for money the higher the risk of the roof leaking and destroying the church’s organ and interior.
Mr Evans said the congregation need to raise around £180,000 to restore the roof, along with other projects which including fixing the clock and refurbishing the church organ.
He said he has contacted more than 100 charities and grant bodies but only managed to raise one fifth of the total needed.
He is now going to launch community days for residents, councillors and others interested in the church.
He said: “We are going local now and saying ‘this is what we have done, can you help us?’”
Other fundraising initiatives are also being organised including a fund day with displays and an open church, leafleting and approaching local businesses for help.
There has been a church on Wombridge Road since the 18th century and it was rebuilt and enlarged in the 19th century. The church’s single bell was installed in 1899 and its present organ was put in during 1913.