A MILLOM church that is at the heart of a close-knit community has decided to close its doors overs fears of asbestos.

St George’s Church will remain closed for a number of weeks after asbestos was discovered in between the pipes of its 150-year-old heating system.

The substance was discovered while work was being carried out to install a new state-of-the-art heating system, but the drew to a halt when workmen discovered a suspicious material.

Reverend Carl Carter, assistant curate of the benefice of Millom, said: “About three years ago we had a major fault in the heating system and we’ve been raising funds to repair it ever since.

“Last week the company who were chosen to carry out the work came and we decided it wasn’t feasible to have the church open.

“While they were doing the work they found a material which could have been asbestos between the pipework.”

The church is expected to remain closed until the beginning of October but all services will continue at either Holy Trinity or St Luke's at Haverigg.

During this time, work will be carried out to remove the asbestos and install a new heating system.

Reverend Clive Shaw, priest-in-charge of the benefice of Millom, said: "When it does reopen it will be much better as it will have a much more efficient heating system.

"St George's is an important building to the whole community and we want it to be up and running as soon as possible."

The parish is now faced with a £100,000 bill to get the church back up to an acceptable standard, but Rev Carter believes it is worth every penny.

He said: “We want the church to be a warm and inviting place.

“St George’s is at the heart of the town which represents its function of being the heart of the community.

“It’s important that we do this work properly and that we do it right.”

Millom Town Councillor and church warden, Ray Cole, echoed Rev Carter’s thoughts saying: “The church is a vital part of our community and naturally we don’t want it to be closed for too long but public safety is paramount and the church will not be operational until the new heating system is in place.”

The church continues to play a key part within the town, helping families celebrate births and mourn deaths in addition to welcoming as many as 50 people every Sunday for regular worship.

Councillor Felicity Wilson believes the church is an important part of the town and is calling for people to support it in the way they have done in the past.

She said: “It’s the landmark of Millom and when you see St George’s spire you know you’re on your way home.

“The church is always there for people thought the good times and the bad and I think perhaps we all should do more to help out.”

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