A CHURCH in the Picton, Kirklevington and Worsall parish is being supported with scaffolding, as tests continue to investigate subsidence below an interior archway.

About £9,000 has been allocated for repairs for St Hilary's Church at Picton, but some people fear the cost could be much higher.

Despite the worries, the church is expected to have a continued role in the area, when a new vicar arrives this summer to serve Picton and adjoining communities.

The church is located in open land east of Picton, toward the Yarm-Northallerton railway line. It is about 100 years old and one of its interior arches supporting the ceiling appears to be subsiding. It is currently supported by metal tubes. Investigations are under way.

The matters were discussed by residents at the recent meeting of Picton Parish Council. Coincidentally, the meeting was held at the church, which is Picton's only public building apart from the pub.

Chairwoman Coun Linda Mottram said: "Boreholes have been sunk and tests carried out. But we're still waiting for a report as to why it's slipping and sliding."

The parish council was been promised £5,000 from pylon firm National Grid toward costs. Another £4,000 of parish savings is set aside in an account.

Some residents feared the final repair bill could be much more. Others asked if the £5,000 donation would be better spent on other projects, such as children's play area or pavement.

One woman queried the consultation process, which led to the decision to allocate National Grid's donation to the church repairs.

But Coun Mottram said the donation could not be used for work undertaken by local authorities, such as road maintenance or improvements. She assured residents all other possibilities were fully explored.

She went on to say: "At the last parish council meeting, concerns were expressed that we might not get a new vicar and the church might close. However, a new vicar has been appointed and is expected in June."

The new vicar, the Rev David Wise, is moving from Mexborough.

Coun Mottram then paid tribute to former churchwardens Peter Joyce and Simon Pilley, who had died in recent years. She also thanked current churchwarden Brian Claybrook, of Kirklevington.

Speaking to the D&S Times this week, Mr Claybrook said: "The church is about 90 years old and was opened by the Archbishop of York, Cosmo Lang. We just don't know what the final costs will be. The surveyor is still looking into the problem, so we don't yet have a solution."

He had met the new vicar and was looking forward to his arrival.

"In effect, we have two parishes of Kirlevington and Picton, and Worsall. St Hilary's Church is the daughter church of Kirklevington, while Worsall is a church in its own right. They are put together in perpetuity."