Cash boost for Portsmouth church’s plan to restore tower

THOUSANDS of pounds have been put towards repairing and restoring a landmark church tower.

The Trinity Methodist Church, in Albert Road, Southsea has received initial funding of £33,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to repair and restore the church  building.

The project aims to restore the tower, a well-known local landmark, to its former glory and to secure the fabric of the building for many years to come.

Alan Haynes, treasurer at the church, said they were delighted at the good news.

The cash has been awarded to help the church to progress its plan to apply for a full grant at a later  date.

Reverend John Mills, the minister of Trinity said: ‘We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

‘Trinity has been serving God and the community here for over 100 years, and it’s great to know that we are a step closer to preserving it for another century, as a base for mission and community outreach.’

The project aims to carry out essential conservation work to this Grade II listed building.

The building is currently used on a regular basis by 15 different community groups as well as hosting many individual events.

It is hoped that the improved facilities will both benefit current users and attract other community groups and provide a focal point for the local community.

The original building was built in 1901 to replace a tin mission hall.

Only when the current building was constructed around it, the tin hall was demolished.

The Heritage Lottery Fund was set up in 1994 and it uses money from the National Lottery to support a wide range of projects involving the local, regional and national heritage of the UK.

For more information about the Herotage Lottery Fund and what it does go to hlf.org.uk.

For more information on Holy Trinity Church and its projects, groups and services go to trinitysouthsea.org.uk