AN HISTORIC church is in danger of closing unless a £120,000 restoration project is carried out.

St Michael’s Church, in Kirby-le-Soken, has been a landmark in the village for more than 500 years but now the building is becoming worn down and unsafe.

Parts of the historic church are crumbling, large cracks are appearing in the walls and parts of the stonework are falling apart.

The east side of the church is now blocked off so the organ and nave, where the choir sits, are out of use.

Church leaders now need to raise thousands of pounds to restore the building – parts of which date back to medieval times – to its former glory.

The whole revamp will cost about £144,000, including VAT, and will include repairs to walls and the roof, an archaeological investigation, piling and underpinning.

The church has already been given a total of £28,000 from a Chancel Fund and the Friends of St Michael’s.

Now, members of the church are attempting to raise the shortfall of £116,000 to carry out the repairs.

Churchwarden Myra Dansie hopes the work will start in the summer months. She said: “We really need to keep the church going for future generations.

“It’s such a lovely building, but we’re aware that it’s a lot of money.

“People will have a lot of memories from this church, whether they got married here or attended services – people just might have a connection with it and feel like they want to help.

“If we can’t get the work done the church will close as it won’t be safe.

“We only started fundraising two weeks ago. Anyone who can offer any help would be much appreciated.”

Donations can be sent to Myra Dansie, c/o The Rectory, 10 Thorpe Road, Kirby Cross, CO13 0LT.

Cheques should be payable to St Michael’s Restoration Fund.