Troubled St Martin's Church is in danger of falling apart unless leaders, who already owe nearly £1m in belltower debt, find more than £100,000 for repair works.

Leaders of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) have plugged holes in the roof of the building in Pagel Mead, Basildon, to stop water leaking in but need to carry out permanent repairs, including remedying structural problems with its concrete frame.

But with creditors chasing cash for work on the tower, no work can be carried out and funding cannot be sought.

Peter Reid, chairman of the PCC, said: "We are in limbo. We need to renew the heating, which will cost £43,000, and to do other works which come to £70,000. We are about ten years behind on repairs."

Mr Reid said: "All funds we did have were put towards the belltower. We could get funds from charitable organisations connected to the church but we would have to put in a percentage ourselves. This just isn't possible."

The PCC is facing two county court judgments, one from builders Mowlem for £536,000, another for £12,100 from Basildon Council.

Other claims include £50,000 from consultant engineers Burro Happold and £20,000 from an un-named American businessman.

Former Canon Lionel Webber is not facing criminal proceedings over the matter, after the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to press charges.

Published Tuesday, February 19, 2002