100 year old roof replaced thanks to Biffa Award funding

Heath Hayes-based Community Life Church has received some major structural improvements, thanks to a £15,000 grant from Biffa Award as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.

The grant has paid for a replacement roof, guttering and main entrance doors. The old roof, over a hundred years old, was badly damaged and would not have seen it though another winter.

Church minister, John Tyrell, said “We have always tried to keep the building well maintained and fully usable. The damage to the old roof would have caused severe problems in the near future. The old doors were deteriorating, but the new doors insure easier access and greater security for all users. We are grateful for Biffa Award’s grant that has ensured that building remains a useful asset for the church and the community.”

The building is used most days of the week for various church, community and social activities including a lunch club for the elderly and isolated, a children’s club, youth church, Guides, Brownies, counselling, training and study sessions.

The leader of the weekly lunch club, Sandra Tyrell, said: “The modifications make the church look so much better and the new doors greatly improve access. They are such a help for the elderly and disabled people who enjoy their weekly meal together.”

Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager added: “It is so important that we continue to invest in community buildings like this one which provide a space for people to meet and socialise. Funding repairs to the roof will ensure that the community can continue to use the facility in comfort all year round.”

To mark the improvements, local County Councillor Phil Hewitt, re-opened the building on 23 November 2021.

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