ST MICHAEL’S Church in Middlewich town centre is appealing for public help as it moves to refurbish inside and out.

The medieval building in Hightown dates back to the twelfth century, but is currently considered by Historic England to be ‘at risk’.

A five-phase restoration project was set up in 2012 with a projected cost of £1.2m, including a near-£300,000 first phase focusing on the church’s roof, walls and windows.

Alongside a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £235,000 and £49,500 from the government’s VAT recovery scheme, the church still requires £13,000 to get the phase underway.

In order to keep St Michael’s from becoming a dangerous structure, phase one involves removing the existing roof, repairing the roof timbers and installing new valley gutters, replacing the old slates and carrying out structural repairs to the walls and windows.

Church members will, over the forthcoming weeks, distribute leaflets to each of the 5,800 Middlewich homes, and are holding a ‘gift day’ next Saturday, September 10, from midday to 4pm to put plans on display.

The day will feature refreshments and activities for all the family, including a bouncy castle.

Reverend Simon Drew said: “If we succeed in this, then St Michael’s will become an even greater asset to the Middlewich community.

“We invite all residents of the parish to join in and give to the appeal. Please join with us in preserving and enhancing the parish church for the benefit of our community.”

Phases two and three cover internal improvements including toilets, drains, kitchen facilities, a new floor, seating, and heating system and improved lighting, the estimated cost being £100,000 and £300,000 respectively.

Phase four is the replacement of the roof and structural repairs to walls and windows on the south side of the building. The estimated cost is £250,000. Phase five is the repair of masonry and woodwork at the lower levels at a cost of about £250,000.