A CHURCH which dates back more than 700 years is in need of a £1 million restoration.

St Michael and All Angels Church in Middlewich has for centuries been a huge part of the town and after recent inspection is in need of a costly structural revamp.

The church is listed as a grade two English Heritage building which means it is of national importance and special interest.

Michael Reed, Assistant Treasurer at St Michael and All Angels, said: “The building dates back more than 700 years and a lot of work needs to be done because we want it to still be here for another 700 years, that’s what we aim at.

It’s an incredibly important building as it is listed with the English Heritage but apart from that, it’s so important to the residents of Middlewich, so we feel a responsibility to the community to keep their church in good working order.

The work on the church will go on for the next ten years and will amount to £1 million which can be mainly provided from grants but has to be partially funded by the church, of which members will be looking to raise funds for the restoration.

Michael added: “We would be very pleased if anyone can give us a hand with the fundraising or give us any ideas on how to raise some funds.”

Most of the work over the coming years won’t affect the church practice however some of the bigger structural jobs may see the church out of service for around a month.

Members of the church will be starting straight away on smaller jobs however a grant application will be submitted for roof and gutter work soon, which will cost around £250,000.

As well as work to restore the church, improvements to some of the facilities will also be made.

Michael said: “We haven’t got a toilet and the refreshment area is kind of ad hoc so we want to improve those things as well as restoring so that we can try and hold more community events in the future.

“Our church is a huge part of the history of the town but we want it to be a huge part of the present as well.”