A HOUSING association has come to the rescue to help a Leominster Church congregation facing the potential collapse of its hall.

The Moravian church hall in South Street - known as the School Room - has long been shored up with massive timbers. The building is unsafe and unusable and has been a major headache for the church council.

Now the Leominster-based Marches Housing Association has formed a partnership with the Moravians to launch a £500,000 development drawing on Housing Corporation funds.

Part of the eighteenth century shell of the building, which adjoins the church, will be retained.

A new function room will be created and seven new dwellings for older people will also created at the site, and an adjoining corner plot.

The homes will be linked to existing Marches flats in Coningsby Road and will bring huge improvements, including a lift and covered walkways, for tenants.

Marches official Richard Finney said the association was delighted to be able to assist the church and, at the same time, provide and improve much-needed accommodation for the elderly.