A CHURCH’S leaking roof has put plans to serve Christmas lunch to 100 people in jeopardy.

Now the vicar of St John’s Church, Cleckheaton, has launched an emergency appeal after long-term problems with the community kitchen roof at the Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1887.

If immediate funding for emergency repairs cannot be reached then up to 100 people who have enjoyed a free Christmas Day meal at the church for the past few years will go hungry.

The vicar, the Reverend Brunel James, said: “The situation is really that bad.

“We need at least £800 as soon as possible to carry out a quick fix and then we will need to raise at least £10,000 to re-roof the building.

“‘We want everyone who cares about the local community to be aware of our appeal and consider contributing. St John’s provides a mother and toddler group, a befriending cafe and a host of other community activities, but all this is under threat.

“The kitchen is used by everyone, even the congregation, almost daily.

“It is becoming a health and safety issue now.

“It has been getting steadily worse in this old Victorian building which does tend to happen but it is still very beautiful with its wooden panelling and lovely glass and we don’t want it to get any worse.

“We have been serving Christmas lunches for the past few years and have been getting around 100 people coming in. Some have come to the service beforehand, this year it starts at 11.15am, and others come just to the lunch.

“It is for those who have nowhere else to go or even the elderly who have no family and do not want to be on their own on Christmas Day.

“Afterwards people tend to stick around and we have quizzes and things.

“Our own Margaret Couch has sourced free items from local stores for the meal over the past few years and it is all prepared here in the church kitchen.

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“If the repairs cannot be done there is a very real possibility that we won’t be able to offer the lunch this year.

“We launched the fundraising campaign last week and will be doing leaflet campaign too to spread the message as far as possible.”

For more more information, or to help the appeal, see beneficeofcleckheaton.org.uk or call Mr James on 07811 195280.