The tiny community at Ebernoe is faced with having to raise £50,000 for the repair of the bell turret at Holy Trinity Church after being told it is in a dangerous state.
But church warden Don Howard has pledged the 49 people on the electoral roll will find a way of preserving the historic building for the future.
"The poor state of our finances means we do simply not have
the fiances to pay for this repair," he
said.
"The parochial church council (PCC) considered capping off the structure at the lower level, but we have been told this would be refused by the diocese.
"This is a Grade II listed building and it has to be preserved," he stressed. "It is our responsibility to maintain it not just for now, but for future generations."
Mr Howard has already started fundraising and together with donations so far promised and an amount held by the PCC, he reckons he has so far raised some £19,000.
"We are hoping to hold some fundraising events and then if we are short of money we will ask the church authority to give Ebernoe a loan on a ten-year repayment basis.
"With only 49 people on the electoral role it is difficult, but we will find a way."
Scaffolding has been placed around the bell turret because of its dangerous state and Mr Howard says repair work will start as soon as possible.
He is currently waiting for planning permission from the church before work begins to dismantle the turret.
This will have to take place before the first frosts at the end of the year as lime mortar will have to be used which cannot be applied in very cold weather.
At the same time the weather wane will be cleaned and the clock face is also being regilded and repainted.
Mr Howard said the problem had arisen because the bell turret was made of cast iron and had rusted which had caused the bricks to lift, making it unsafe.
Anyone who would like to make a donation towards the restoration work should contact Mr Howard on 01403 820253.
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