Cost of living: 'Struggling' rural churches hit by energy costs

Rural churches already struggling financially have been hit by rising energy costs, a church treasurer says.

Richard Jones said Holy Trinity Church in the Shropshire village of Yockleton, was among those under pressure.

He said ultimately churches were "in danger" of closing if they could not afford to meet their costs.

Hundreds of churches receive hardship grants and some applied for funding through schemes to become warm hubs.

Holy Trinity is one of the northern most parishes within the Diocese of Hereford and is close to the Welsh border.

It partly raises funds via donations through the Parish Giving Scheme, and also holds fundraising events towards running costs.

This weekend sees its annual snowdrop event, where visitors can have tea and cake while enjoying the "lovely show" of flowers, said Mr Jones, the parochial church council (PCC) treasurer.

He said it was a difficult time for such premises.

"If we can't pay our way then we can't pay for our priest and the church would close, ultimately," he said, adding they hoped that would never happen.

But there were a lot of rural churches dotted around and all seemed to be facing pressures, he said.

"Rural churches are struggling financially anyway, the escalating cost of energy is a serious concern," he said.

"Most of our churches are generally lofty buildings and very difficult and expensive to heat so we have a constant financial problem."

Holy Trinity was also aiming to adapt and attract more people through a renovation which had brought a new kitchen and made the building more accessible.

"We've cleared all the old pews out and we've put chairs in to make it a flexible space for the community," Mr Jones said.

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