Survey reveals church roof repair could cost £120K

Churchwarden Peter Thompson carried out temporary work to seal the roof

Much-needed repairs to a village's 14th Century church could cost £120,000, the diocese has said.

St Margaret's Church in Stradishall, Suffolk, had been given a patch-up job by its churchwarden after its roof sprang a leak, with buckets put out to catch the drips.

While Peter Thompson's work provided a temporary fix against the elements, a structural survey in December uncovered water damage within the roof, the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich said.

The church was now looking into plans for applying for grants and fundraising, with Mr Thompson adding that the church's plight had sparked a renewed interest within the wider community.

"People in the village, many who were not really churchgoers, have got involved and have offered to help," he said.

"What is great is we have done a lot of things inside the church as well, helped by the village community.

"We have now painted the inside of the building - it's a lovely church to come and visit."

The main part of the church building dates back to the 14th Century, with its bells ringing across the area every Wednesday.

It continues to host services and events, despite the damage to the roof.

Toby Hart, church buildings support officer for the diocese, said it could help with the cost of investigation work to look at how the roof could be repaired.

"It is so important our churches are protected as places for worship as well as vital community buildings," he added.