VITAL repairs needed to Ashwater’s Church of St Peter Ad Vincula will be made with the recent launch of the tower project.

The launch was held on Saturday, March 19, and teas, coffee and cakes were served in the church.

David Bone, the volunteer project manager, gave an up-to-date report on the project. The vital repairs will be carried out thanks to a £236,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Grade 1 listed building is a focal point for the local community.

Built in the 15th Century, it has stood for around 600 years and like many old buildings, is in dire need of repair.

The Rev Jane Lucas said: “It is very important to the community that the tower is repaired; it is in great need of repair and has been having huge problems for some time now. If it isn’t fixed, it could be in great danger of collapsing.

“I was very pleased to learn that the tower is being repaired; our funds came through just before Christmas, so everything should be going ahead very soon.”

Phase one will include repairs to the bell tower and the gutter of the roof, both of which are cracked and have been leaking.

Phase two will see the installation of a kitchen and toilet with facilities for baby changing and the disabled. The church is currently very limited to events being held at the church without a kitchen or toilet. Phase three will hopefully involve restoration to the unique and historic Carminow Monument.

Nerys Watts, the head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, added: “Spanning 600 years, this church has a long history of being an important local landmark and a focal point for village life. Securing this National Lottery investment is a credit to the hard work of the local people, who have worked tirelessly to protect the building, and all it represents, for the future.”

The funds for the repairs to the tower have included donations from the project’s Tower Adoption Scheme, allowing members of the community to adopt a section of the tower, whether it is the clock face, a section of a window, a piece of stone work, and much more.

Altogether, there are 99 sections, ranging from the price of £20 to £250, with only a handful of sections left for people to adopt.

This has proved to be very successful, and has raised nearly £8,000 towards the community contribution — something that is crucial to match the Heritage Lottery Fund.

As well as local donations, the scheme has also stretched as far as the USA and New Zealand, illustrating the importance of the church. Those who adopt are then able to nominate a name of a family member, friend or donator, to be remembered in the church.

It is also hoped that activities that will encourage involvement from the community will increase donations, including heritage talks, lectures and a bell-ringing festival.

The project could take up to two years to complete.