Plans are afoot to convert a disused Methodist church in Burgh le Marsh to accommodate the town’s library and community hub.

The town council recently purchased the century-old building in Jackson’s Lane for £90,000 – using council funds supported by around £25,000 from the East Lindsey investment fund and £15,000 from Lincolnshire County Council’s Strategic Grant Fund.

The church, which dates back to 1920 and features a 20 year-old extension, will be renovated to incorporate the town’s library – currently located at Tinkers Green.

"The library will be relocated to the main church area, with the community hub located in the extension,” explained Coun Jim Moss, volunteer co-ordinator for the library.

Pictured, from left, outside the church area: Coun Jim Moss , Coun David Hartley (Town Council Chairman) and Coun Mandy Willis (Town Council Deputy Chairman) with Coun Jimmy Brookes. Image supplied

placeholder image — Pictured, from left, outside the church area: Coun Jim Moss , Coun David Hartley (Town Council Chairman) and Coun Mandy Willis (Town Council Deputy Chairman) with Coun Jimmy Brookes. Image supplied

Coun Jimmy Brookes, county councillor for Skegness South nominated the project for funding from LCC’s Strategic Grant Fund. He said: “This is exactly what community funding should be about - investing in projects that bring people together and make a real difference locally. I was proud to put this forward for funding because Burgh le Marsh deserves investment and this will create a modern, welcoming space that can benefit residents of all ages for many years to come.”

The town council has a budget of around £40,000 for the renovation works, which are set to begin this month, and be completed by spring, 2027.

“The building requires some internal renovation work, and we are extremely grateful to Lincolnshire County Council for awarding community grant funding that will enable the Council to begin works on this important project,” Coun Moss added. “Works will include levelling the floor within the church room to create a modern, accessible library space.”

The Council is now on the lookout for a skilled carpenter to salvage some of the original wooden panelling from the church to turn into a new reception counter for the library.

Councillors Jimmy Brookes, David Hartley, Jim Moss, and Mandy Willis inside the church.

Town clerk Kelly Stevenson said: "It’s really beautiful woodwork, so we want to retain as much of it as we can. We want to incorporate a wall mural in the children’s section of the library, so we are looking for local artists who can help us to achieve this. It’s an exciting opportunity to be involved in a community project.”

To get in touch with the team behind the library, visit their Facebook page Burgh le Marsh Library and Community Hub.