A HISTORIC church is to begin a £320,000 project to modernise decaying corridors and build a new entrance.

Work at St Peter’s in Halliwell, which marked its 180th anniversary in 2020, is set to start imminently after they submitted and archaeological report to Bolton Council which details

procedures of what they will do if they find any burial sites, human remains or important heritage finds during groundwork excavations.

The church said the first part of the work ‘to replace the decaying corridors with a new, welcoming and spacious entrance’ will start later this month or in June.

One of the conditions of planning permission for the work at the Grade II listed building was to provide to Bolton Council a programme of archaeological works prior to the start of the improvements.

That report, by experts at University of Salford archaeology department has now been published.

It recommends a ‘watching brief’ on any archaeological mitigation during the work with an archaeologist supervising the contractors’ work.

The report, states: “The objectives of the investigation are to record the location, extent, condition and significance of any surviving archaeological remains.

“It will establish the presence or absence of any human remains in the ground works and ensure any human remains encountered are treated an an appropriate manner.”

Reverend Canon Paul Hardingham, from St Peter’s, said: “This is a vital project for St Peter’s Church and the local community”

He set out the importance of the modernisation for future generations of worshippers.

He said: “In 2020, St. Peter’s Church had it’s 180th birthday.

“Those of us worshipping here today are benefiting from the stewardship and care of previous generations.

“We want to make sure that St Peter’s is ready to provide a gospel platform for the next 180 years and for future generations of worshippers.

“We have already raised over half the cost ourselves and we are thrilled to report that the hoped for £100,000 grant from Viridor credits, and further funds have now come in, meaning

we have reached our target of £320,000.

“The whole build will take up to three months to complete.

“During the time of the build there will some disruption to the use of the church itself and it is likely we will have to meet in the parish centre for much of this period.

“But the end result will be worth it.”