Churches Given Access to Unused Buildings

Church leaders wanting to take advantage of a new Government policy encouraging local authorities to transfer unused buildings to community groups at a reduced price are being invited to attend a one day 'How To' seminar.

The Faith Action community organisation, which aims to "empower church leaders in community regeneration", has put together a team of experts to help churches make full use of this new resource.

On July 6 in central London, vicars and pastors will be taught how to find premises, how to get planning permission, how to put a premise's brief together, how to acquire & manage their own assets, and how to develop social capital out of your premises.

The event will be chaired by the Rev Ade Omooba, pioneer of Christian group I Care, and facilitated by Lorraine Hart, a town planner and research and development officer at the Environment Trust, as well as Linda Damerell, regional development manager form the Development Trust Association, and Maggie Durran and Rebecca Payne, policy officers from the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division within the Church of England.

Rev Omooba said: "We know of at least 350 churches in the south east who are looking for new premises and very many more across England.

"The Government's new policy will enable local authorities to make available to churches and community groups buildings which, before, were out of their price range, but are now possible."

He concluded: "However, being and taking on an old building requires detailed information and this event will enable church leaders to benefit form the very best advice possible."