MP for Penrith and The Border, Dr Neil Hudson MP met with project leaders who are in the midst of securing a bright future for the disused village church in Croglin, in the North Pennines.
The Helm Croglin, are a small team aiming to transform the listed building into a bright new visitor centre and community hub.
The focus of the main space will be a permanent exhibition showcasing the history and natural environment of the local area. It will be equipped with a kitchen, broadband, storage, sustainable heat sources, and will house a post office and a library.
The team have already secured £20,000 from the Inspiring Eden Fund but with much more to raise, Dr Hudson promised to aid the community champions in bidding for funds moving forward.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“It really was joyous to meet the team and hear all about their wonderful plans to breathe life back into this historic building.
“Providing key local rural services as well as providing information and assistance to visitors, I look forward to working hard with the team to make sure we secure a bright future for the Helm.”
Ruth Lawley, chair of the project, added:
“This is such an important community project to rescue this building. The building is at the heart of Croglin and the village needs a heart.
“We need something for the Fellside to basically inform people about the local heritage both from a natural history point of view and from a human point of view. So, it’s a wonderful opportunity to use the building that was left and provide the community asset a secure future.
“Thank you to Dr Hudson for his interest in the building, for his time and for his support for the project.”
The Helm team are currently pressing forward with a new series of talks by local historians to inform the community and raise vital funds for the project.
