A MAJOR fundraising effort is under way to raise £125,000 for improvements to Whitchurch Baptist Church.

The grade two listed building, situated in the town's conservation area, is in need of urgent work to ensure the best use of its facilities.

Derek Verran, who is managing the project on behalf of the church, says after years of renovations paid for by members of the church, the sanctuary is the last area of the main church building needing improvements.

"It needs urgent work but is the only part of the church which in used for just four hours a week," Derek explained. "It's a waste of a good building which could be used much better for community work."

Improvements include levelling the floor where the pews are sited, new lighting and putting in carpets as well as providing a toilet for the disabled.

The Baptists hope the renovations will enable them to provide youth and community programmes as well as expand on current popular activities. The renovations would allow the space to be used by such groups.

A budget of £125,00 has been set but fundraising organisers hope to be able to limit the amount of money the church would have to borrow to reach the target.

For the next two weeks the church is running the charity shop in the town, something they have never done before but which they hope will be a great success.

An experienced architect is also working on plans and the church hopes to submit a planning application within the next few months with work expected to start in October.