A CHURCH in Sedgley is set to get a new entrance and vestibule after a £50,000 grant from a leading waste management company.

St Andrew's URC Methodist Church and Community Centre in Bilston Street has been granted the cash from Biffa Award, a fund run by Biffa Group Limited.

The cash will pay for improvements to create a community cafe and work will include the demolition of the old church entrance and the installation of a new fully glazed and central entrance vestibule.

June Weaver, volunteer coordinator for St Andrew’s Outreach Committee, said: “I know that there are many lonely people in Sedgley who will benefit from our proposed new coffee bar which will be more visible from the street and help people become more aware that we are open for them to drop in.

“Also, with the new improved entrance leading directly from the street, people with mobility problems can either be dropped off easily or will not have far to walk.”

Andy Gray, CEO of Dudley Council for Voluntary Services, said: “There is no doubt that local authority funding cuts are hitting all communities very hard and the Sedgley area is no exception.

“St Andrew’s Church should be commended that through the refurbishment programme they are trying, under difficult funding circumstances, to make a difference to their local community whilst at the same time finding new ways to ensure greater sustainability and as such they have the full and ongoing support of DCVS.”

Gillian French, Biffa Award programme manager, said: “We’re pleased to be able to support the renovation project at St Andrew's URC Methodist Church and Community Centre, which will create a welcoming facility that the whole community can be proud of.”

Church funds are also set for a boost at a fashion show on Saturday September 6 where members and friends of the church will be modelling clothes from the church shop.

The show starts at 7pm and tickets cost £2.50.