A CHURCH that could fall into disrepair without vital restoration work has received an English Heritage grant.

All Saints Church in Perry Street, Northfleet, has been given a £140,000 grant under the heritage’s Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme.

The church, which dates back to 1869, had applied for £250,000 for its restoration project, which includes replacing broken tiles on the lower roof and repainting its exterior walls.

But it will have to raise the rest of the funds itself.

Vicar Dr John Perumbalath, who has been leading the congregation for three years, told News Shopper the repairs are vital to the life of the church.

He said: “Structurally there is nothing wrong with the church.

“But this will give the congregation more confidence in their building and will preserve it for future generations.

“In the long run, it will prevent long term damage and any catastrophe from happening.”

According to English heritage, there was bomb damage in the church during World War Two which could have caused some of the cracks in the nave.

The stonework is also suffering from severe decay.

Dr Perumbalath says he will apply for smaller grants from other agencies and hold fundraising events, including a summer fayre, to complete the repairs.

The first stage will begin in mid march until September, when architects and engineers will inspect the damage that needs addressing in the church.

Formal repair work will then begin early next year.