ONE of Monmouthshire’s most picturesque rural churches has been granted development cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund for much-needed repairs.

Funding of £6,800 has been awarded to help St Peter’s Church, Llanwenarth Citra, progress their plans to apply for a full grant later in the year.

The project aims to repair both the roofs of the nave and chancel which have been losing slates, allowing water to damage the interior of the church.

Churchwarden, Pip Hassall stated, ‘We are delighted; we will be able to restore the main body of this lovely and historic building. The church was at a critical point, and this grant will enable us to save the building for future generations.

‘Local support for our fundraising activities has shown how important the building is to many people in the area, not just those who use it for regular worship.’

The church has been covered in scaffolding and plastic sheeting for the past year to protect the public from falling slates and to try to prevent further water damage.

Richard Bellamy, head of Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales said, ‘The church can now look forward with optimism. Historic places of worship are so often at the heart of our communities.

‘Grants for places of worship applications are assessed in two rounds. St Peter’s Church has been granted round one development funding of £6,800 allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals will now be considered in a second round where a final decision will be made on the full funding award of £91,000.’