Green trust's help for church revamp (From The Northern Echo)

Green trust's help for church revamp

5:45pm Sunday 5th December 2010 in Durham City News By Mark Tallentire

A ENVIRONMENTAL trust has revealed its part in a church’s £400,000 revamp.

The 150-year-old North Road Methodist Church, on North Road, Durham, reopened in September, following a six-month £410,00 refurbishment.

A new lift and kitchen were installed, the main church room remodelled and lights and toilets added.

Now Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts which redistributes landfill tax credits from Biffa Waste Service, has announced it made a £49,700 grant to the project.

Cath Hare, Biffaward assistant programme manager, said: "Biffaward is delighted to support this project in Durham, which will bring more flexibility in the way that North Road Methodist Church can be used.

"Everyone who attends services, groups, meetings, concerts and events will benefit."

Reverend Julie Lunn, the church’s minister, said: "The Access for All project which has been supported by Biffaward is a superb asset to the church and the local community, enabling access to a variety of events and activities.

"Thanks to Biffaward the church has a superb state-of-the-art kitchen to facilitate the provision of low-cost, high-quality meals to those of the community who come to share food and friendship, to find support and who are given the opportunity to talk to people with time to listen."

For more information, visit northroadmethodist.org.uk or call Rev Lunn on 0191-3847950.