CONGREGATION members are set to launch their church into the new Millennium with ambitious plans.

This weekend churchgoers at St Andrew's Church, Tattersall Avenue, on the Johnson Fold estate, were beginning the huge task of raising £750,000 for a building fund.

The cash will pay for the existing building to be demolished and a new church built which will meet growing demands from the surrounding community.

The announcement came as church leaders revealed that the building, opened in 1934, is plagued by damp and there is no hot water supply in the toilet block.

Now the congregation hope that, with grant applications and donations, that the money will have been raised within two years.

The Rev Mark Smith said: "As with many communities in the town, there is little provision of adequate community space where people can get together.

"St Andrew's is a much used and appreciated local asset, but is showing its age and fails to meet many of the modern criteria for a public building.

"To bring this important facility up-to-date will open up many new opportunities for local groups and intiatives, as well as providing a base for the work of the church on the estate.

"Our aim is to build a place that will enable us to show God's love more clearly in this community and provide a much-needed facility for the Millennium."

The announcement comes as the church prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary, with special events being held throughout the year.

It is hoped the plans will create even stronger links with the community. Already church members are involved in the residents' association, credit union and food co-op.

Yesterday council and church leaders gathered for the official launch of the building fund, which was followed by an open day today.

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