JURBY CHURCH PATHS TO BE RESURFACED THANKS TO MLT FUNDING SUPPORT

A northern organisation which is responsible for securing the future of Jurby Church, has been awarded Manx Lottery Trust funding to build new paths across the grounds.

The Friends of Jurby Church has been granted £36,000, which enables the building of a new concrete path from the gate to the church doors, around the Commonwealth war graves, and also part of the burial ground paths.

The new paths are required as it came to light that many people were not visiting the church due to the uneven gravel paths, which made access difficult for people with walking aids and wheelchair users.

Sandra Kerrison, Secretary/Director of The Friends of Jurby Church, said: ‘We’re extremely grateful for the support from the Manx Lottery Trust. Over the years we have hosted a number of exhibitions to encourage more visitors and raise funds, however, the state of the paths is affecting the accessibility, and is limiting the number of visitors we welcome through the doors.

‘We hope the renewed paths will make the church an inclusive environment, where people of all abilities can visit and comfortably pass the Commonwealth War Graves and burial ground.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘Jurby Church is a valued community asset run by a team of passionate people, and we hope our support to help address the accessibility issues means more visitors are able to enjoy this important historical site.’

This grant has been awarded from Manx Lottery Trust’s Dormant Assets Fund. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes.