THE Church of St Peter Ad Vincula, Ashwater, will be able to carry out vital repairs thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Residents of Ashwater and the parochial church council have been raising funds for a crucial repair and conservation project on the church’s bell tower.

The Grade 1 listed building is a focal point for the 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 work needed includes repairs to the bell tower and the valley gutter between the two aisle roofs — work to erect scaffolding on the tower will start on March 14.

Stage one of the repair project will also include the addition of a drainage system ready for the installation of toilet and kitchen facilities.

The church will continue to carry out services while the work is being carried out, however, for safety reasons a part of the church adjoining the tower will be closed off.

It is hoped the planned works will take two years to complete.

There are also hopes that there will be work carried out on the unique medieval tomb in the church.

The project aims to carry out the conservation work while ensuring the community is kept informed and fully involved with activities.

These will include a children’s’ activity booklet and activities related to church history, a bell-ringing festival and a display on how bells are made.

There will be heritage talks, and construction demonstrations and lectures are planned as work on the fabric of the church progresses.

A book, on the church’s history, will be written by local historian Dr Trevor May, and will be published in July to coincide with the creation of a new ‘Friends of St Peters’ organisation.

There will also be a social history exhibition in partnership with Holsworthy Museum, related to records about the men from Ashwater who fought in the First World War — records and tombstones in the churchyard will then be shared online.

Commenting on the award of Heritage Lottery Funding, the Rev Jane Lucas said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

“The church has given the parish a place for worship and associated activities for the past 600 years, and it’s great to know that we are a step closer to preserving it for another century.

“Over recent years, local people have been very generous in their giving for this project and now we have this grant to allow us to carry out the work that is badly needed. ”