Roof will be raised when repairs finish

Roof repairs taking place at St John's Church, Cathedral Square. Pictured is Veron Bull, church warden EMN-170303-182110009

The roof will be raised at an iconic city centre church after vital repairs are finished on the historic building.

Work on the roof at St John’s Church has been taking place this month, after a leak which has been causing damage to the inside of the church.

June Bull, deanery synod representative at the church, said: “The roof has been leaking on the north side for about four years.

“We have had to have buckets in the aisle for a while, and we have also had to move our organ and piano.

Roof repairs taking place at St John's Church, Cathedral Square. EMN-170303-182222009

“The leak has been getting worse and worse - it has been damaging the plaster work and floors.

“We have been given a grant of £79,900 from the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, which has been given to us by the Government, and also a £1,000 grant from the Cambridgehire Historic Churches Trust.

“That money would not have been enough, but the congregation has also raised money as well.”

The works include a new copper and timber covering, as well as new guttering.

Exterior of scaffolding at St John's church, Cathedral Square. EMN-170314-165636009

June said: “We have had to cover our reception area and some of the pews with plastic while the works take place, but services are carrying on as normal.

“It is one of the last jobs for our architect, Julian Limentani, who is retiring. Everyone at the church will be very pleased when the works are completed. It is such an important church, with civic events taking place here.”