AN ambitious project aims to give a popular Southampton church a new lease of life.

Shirley Warren Action Church, in Warren Crescent, Shirley Warren, will undergo extensive building improvements to bring it up to modern standards.

Now churchgoers are celebrating after the church was given a grant of £17,853 through Veolia Environmental Trust’s Landfill Communities Fund.

Cash has also been generated through fundraising events, including car boot sales.

The project will make the building warmer, drier and more energy efficient for the benefit of the whole community.

New windows Its heating system will be extended, the building’s boiler will be replaced, new windows will be installed, and insulation will be improved as part of the scheme.

The church has been forced to temporarily close some activities due to the building being too cold and wet, and the existing heating in the church often fails.

It is used throughout the week by various community groups and activities such as an art club, a healthy lifestyle club, a youth club, support groups and holiday play schemes.

Regular car boot sales and community events are held at the building, and schools access the premises for events.

The church has conducted consultation within the community, such as door-to-door surveys, outreach with young people and informal feedback from users at events and groups.

The Rev Jenny Elliott said: “We are looking forward to getting the project under way.

“The improvements will make the church more comfortable for our many users, and we will no longer have to cancel groups and events due to bad weather. Making the building more energy efficient will reduce our running costs, enabling us to continue to offer a range of activities at little or no cost.”

Maria Cade, Veolia Environmental Trust’s operations manager, said: “Facilities like this one play a vital role in our communities and we are delighted to be supporting this project that will provide a more pleasant community space for a diverse range of groups. I hope the community of Shirley Warren will enjoy the improved building for many years.”