A major project to improve access to a church in Whitchurch has reached its half way point.

The work to St John’s Methodist Church will take 14 weeks in total and is the culmination of a years of hard work by church members which started back in 2000 and will include two schemes.

Extensive groundworks have meant a new drainage system is being built, while a ramp which extends from Brownlow Street will give access to the church without having to negotiate awkward steps.

The other work going on at the same time is the construction of a new door linking the inside of the church directly with the two rooms at the back of the church and despite some problems with the ancient brickwork the new doorway is taking shape.

Jim Walwyn, project manager, said: "Obviously, the members at St John’s are very excited with all these changes, but it has been a struggle to raise the funds they need.

"They have received grants and donations from All Churches Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Methodist Insurance Company, The Chester and Stoke on Trent District and The Cheshire South Methodist Circuit and they are extremely grateful for this support.

"However, fundraising is still taking place as some funds have had to be borrowed; we are still quite a way short off their target, so they are holding various fund raising events to raise money."

The fundraising starts with a celebration concert on Saturday, May 18, featuring The Farndon Brass Band and The Whitchurch Community Choir. They will be throwing their doors open to come and have a look at the changes they have made. Refreshments will be available, and the concert is totally free. They are just asking for donations.

In the mean-time, they are still holding services as usual, using the doors off St John’s Street.

If you would like to support this venture, please contact Jim Walwyn on 07814 854336.