WORK has begun on a new community cafe at a Sedgley church which will provide services for vulnerable people of all ages.

The project at St Andrew’s URC/Methodist Church on Bilston Road will see the conversion of an area inside the church building into for use by isolated, older, disadvantaged and young people, as well as young families. It will have a disabled toilet and a kitchen.

The project will cost £166,788 and funding is being provided through the Landfill Communities Scheme, including donations from Biffa Award, The Veolia Environmental Trust and SITA Trust, who have awarded grants of £50,000, £38,863 and £29,534.

Robert Chesworth, chairman of the church’s building committee, said: “We are delighted that work has started. The new café will be an accessible space where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet up, relax, and take part in leisure, recreational and cultural activities.”

The church is already used for a range of community events and activities including blood donor sessions, a local history society and choir concerts.

The café will be available for people attending these activities and also as a meeting point for young and older users.

Executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, added: “The church’s new community space and café will make a real difference to the community of Sedgley and I look forward to seeing the completed results.”