Builders move in at listed chapel

The chapel needs £2.5m to complete its restoration

The first phase of long-awaited restoration work is beginning on a derelict chapel in Stoke-on-Trent.

Efforts to restore Bethesda Chapel in Hanley came to prominence when it appeared in the first series of BBC Two's Restoration programme in 2003.

Emergency repairs were made 18 months ago to the 184-year-old chapel's roof.

So far £485,000 of the £2.5m cost of full restoration has been raised for the work, commissioned by the Historic Chapels Trust (HCT).

The Heritage Lottery Fund agreed a grant of £265,000 towards a first phase of repairs to which English Heritage is adding £200,000, plus £20,000 raised by HCT and Bethesda Friends.

This will fund work to make the interior safe for occasional public visits, address draining, remove detritus and restore the windows.

Initial works will make the inside safe for public visits

Dr Jenny Freeman, from the trust, said: "We can't let the public in at the moment because the building is too dangerous.

"We have had a problem with rats, we've had a problem with the pigeon guano and also there are gaps in the flooring.

"I am however going to post some notice boards outside the building so people will get an idea of what's going on," said Dr Freeman.

Future works will restore the exterior of the Grade II-listed building.

It is also hoped to compliment Stoke on Trent's existing public function and entertainment venues, possibly in conjunction with the Potteries Art Gallery nearby.