ST JAMES CHURCH IMPROVEMENTS

Work is under way to improve the grounds of St James’ Church in Accrington. Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said; “It’s great to see work underway here in this important green space within the town centre, which will make this whole area more welcoming for visitors with an events space for the whole community to enjoy.” 

The improvements include new stone paved paths, with the focus on the 18th century grade II listed church, which will also have new lighting to the church’s facades.  Cllr Parkinson added; “The refurbishment of the grounds will complement the planned opening up of the church for community use, music rehearsal and performance. An outside seating and performance area next to the west tower will be created with a low stone wall to define the events space, which will also provide seating.”

Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum have helped to secure £40K towards the cost of this project. Neil Mooney chair of HGSF said ‘the forum recognised the importance of this green space as it is the only green space of a reasonable size in Accrington Town Centre and that is why we put a bid into the Lancashire Environment Fund to contribute towards the overall cost of the improvement works to make it a fantastic area for people to use during their lunch breaks or while visiting the town centre’.


Gordon Whewell, Church Warden said; “St James’ congregation is delighted that generous funding from Community Spaces, Lancashire Environmental Fund a Hyndburn Borough Council has been secured which enables this project of enhancement to St James’ Church, grounds. We have been conscious of our responsibilities with regard to the upkeep of this ancient church, founded in 1546, and enhancement of the grounds surrounding the church. Located in St. James’ Square and surrounded on four sides by buildings of architectural merit and character, it is a focus point in the town centre and will become an attractive area for people to sit and reflect in peace and comfort. It also marks the start of further fund raising to make sympathetic changes within the church to facilitate greater community use but also to ensure the church continues to be a place of worship and prayer. We would also like to register our appreciation for the considerable assistance accorded to us by Hyndburn Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, the Diocesan Advisory Committee and volunteers for collating information regarding grave memorials.”

The work is to be funded by Community Spaces, Lancashire Environmental Fund and Hyndburn Borough Council. Bulb planting and new tree planting will complete the work in early November.