WORK on six-figure renovation of a church roof is taking place following years of fundraising.

Development has started on replacing the roof of Dalton Community Church as part of a programme of renovations to revamp the Market Street building.

The building was formerly the United Reformed Church and is now part of Dalton Community Church.

It was originally built in 1868 as a congregational church and has had the roof replaced at least once since then with concrete tiles.

However, the tiles had become porous and reached the end of their useful life, so they are now being replaced by reclaimed Burlington slates – the original roof covering.

Margaret Harrison, the trustees’ secretary at the church, said: “Around 18 months ago there was a serious leak in the hall.

“Since then it’s been a bucket job every time it’s rained.”

The church has raised £100,000 to fix the roof, with another £378,000 needed for works inside.

Around £180,000 has already been raised.

Carnforth roofers Joe Greenland and Sons are carrying out the work the roof.

The work is due to be completed in June, and in the meantime Dalton Community church’s congregation are worshipping at 2pm each Sunday in their other premises at Wellington Street, the former methodist church, with Covid-19 precautions in place.

It is five years this month since the Methodist and United Reformed Church congregations joined formally to create Dalton Community Church.

The milestone will be celebrated at the service on Sunday.

The roofing of the church is the first part of a major refurbishment exercise for the church, which has involved fundraising for over five years now.

Dalton Community Church members said they would like to thank people who have contributed to the fundraising effort, including outgoing mayor, councillor Nick Perie, who donated money from his charity fund.

Last year the church launched its £300,000 ‘Buy a Block’ scheme to pay for major upgrades to the building.

In the scheme people are asked to donate £2 per block with the church aiming for a target of £900 worth of blocks needed to rebuild the wall along the back of the building.

Money has been raised for the church through gifts, grants and events.

The wall will also form the back of the new kitchen and toilet extension.