Grant will help Rasen church reduce pigeon damage

Market Rasen Methodist Church is certainly not alone when it comes to dealing with the blight of these feathered fiends; their deposits have been the discussion of many town council meetings, with a final solution yet to be found.

However, a £6,300 Lifeline Grant from the Culture Recovery Fund will help the church deal with an immediate need.

The money will be used to replace the netting on the three upper windows, with stone coloured anti-bird netting, and anti-bird spikes will be secured to the stone.

The Rev Heather Wilson, Presbyter assigned to Market Rasen Methodist Church, said clearing the pigeon droppings has been a continuous challenge and added the grant comes at a crucial point, because if left much longer, damage to the Grade II listed building would be beyond repair.

She said: “We would clear the droppings and a few hours later, it would be as bad as ever.

“We are delighted to receive this funding from the Covid-19 Heritage Fund, as it will make a significant difference to the preservation of the building, and the safety and wellbeing of our attendees.

“Aesthetically, it will improve the appearance of the building in the community.

“We believe this will be a step forward in preventing further deterioration and risk from pigeon droppings.”

The Rev Wilson added: “Since, Covid-19, our income has decreased due to the shortage of services, and the absence of lettings, so the grant will help us prepare the building for re-opening once we are permitted to do so.”

For more than 150 years, Market Rasen Methodist Church has been active in the community through worship and service.

The present church, designed by William Botterill of Hull, was originally known as Centenary Chapel and opened in 1863.

It has been described as an ‘immensely impressive classical style non-conformist chapel’.

Of particular note are the Corinthian columns and pediment, and, internally, the original boxed pews - some with glazed doors and fitted furniture.

The funding granted to the church comes from a part of the Culture Recovery Fund called the Heritage Stimulus Fund and is administered on behalf of the government by Historic England.

Lifeline grants are designed to protect heritage sites and ensure that jobs and access to culture and heritage in local communities are protected during the months ahead.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years and that continue to define culture in our towns and cities.

“We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it’s there for future generations to enjoy.”

Duncan Wilson, Historic England Chief Executive said: “Historic places across the country are being supported by the Government’s grants awarded under the Culture Recovery Fund.

“This funding is a lifeline which is kick-starting essential repairs and maintenance at many of our most precious historic sites, so they can begin to recover from the damaging effects of COVID-19.

“It is also providing employment for skilled craft workers who help keep historic places alive and the wheels of the heritage sector turning.

“Our shared heritage is an anchor for us all in these challenging times and this funding will help to ensure it remains part of our collective future.”