MEMBERS of a Kidderminster church community have had their 'prayers answered' after receiving a £17,000 grant to help fix up their hall.

St Chad's Church hall, on Burcher Green in Comberton, will now have its side wall refurbished to make it warmer for worshippers in the winter.

The church has been celebrating after receiving the Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that supports community developments and environmental projects across the UK.

Reverend Robert Legge, team vicar for St Chad’s Church said: “Without doubt this award is an answer to prayer and will make a big difference to the church hall for all our many users.”

The side wall of the church is a single block wall with cladding and no insulation. The windows are single glazed with metal frames, dating from when the original building was built in 1956.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Reverend Robert Legge by the sidewall of the hall which is to be replaced Reverend Robert Legge by the sidewall of the hall which is to be replaced

Work is due to start at the end of September and should reduce heating costs, making the hall more comfortable for visitors in the winter months.

David Underhill, buildings officer for the church hall said: “This funding will enable us to complete the refurbishment of the hall.

"This started in 2013 with repainting the hall, insulating the cavity walls and fitting an insulated suspended ceiling.

"The kitchen and toilets were then refurbished, but this project on the side wall will complete the modernisation of the hall, which has been talked about for many years.

"It will make the hall lighter, improve the appearance and reduce heat loss and the energy bills.

"The various community groups, who use the hall, are very grateful to Biffa Award for making this possible.”

Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award grants manager, said: “It is so important that we continue to invest in buildings which are at the heart of their communities.

"Supporting the project to replace the side wall at St Chad’s Church hall will ensure that its community has a warm and watertight building to use for years to come.”