THE CITY’S historic cathedral is set to undergo urgent repairs to its roof after receiving more than £100,000 towards the work.
Worcester Cathedral was awarded £116,440 as part of the third round of grants from a government-sponsored fund set up to support vital repairs to cathedrals in England.
It is also the final round of grants from the £20 million First World war Centenary Cathedral Repair Fund, which was announced by the Chancellor in the budget in March 2014. The latest funding boost means the cathedral has now secured £446,756 from the fund over the past year.
The Right Reverend John Inge, Bishop of Worcester said: “Cathedrals such as Worcester are jewels in the crown of our national heritage.
“Though cared for by the Dean and Chapter, it is there for everyone to use and enjoy and I am very grateful that this has been recognised by the Government through the award of a grant for essential repairs to the roof.
“This will enable this wonderful building to better serve the community of Worcester at the heart of which it stands, now and in the future.”
Work is already underway to repair the cathedral’s Great East Window, which was part of the funding received last year from the pot. The window is currently being taken out and will be taken away for repair and restoration before being returned and re-fixed at the end of the year.
The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester added: “We are delighted to have received the funds needed for the latest repairs to the Cathedral roof.
“While this is still a small figure compared to the overall costs of maintaining the cathedrals and parish churches of this country in good repair, it is very good that the Government is now putting money towards this priceless part of the nation’s architectural heritage.”
The news comes in the same week St Nicholas’ Church was awarded £18,700 as part of a £55million package of church repairs nationally.
Worcester MP Robin Walker, who went to the Warndon church as a child, said he was delighted by the cash injection as it would help with much-needed roof repairs.
“I know that St Nicholas’ is an important part of our community in Warndon and the Warndon Villages, my family were once parishioners there and this money will help ensure it’s there for future generations,” he added.
