A BURNHAM-on-Sea church has launched a campaign to raise £19,000 to restore a Grade-II listed stable in urgent need of repair.

The old stable, which stands outside of St Andrew’s Church on Victoria Street, has fallen into a state of disrepair with two of the building’s walls at risk of crumbling down.

In an effort to restore the stable to its former glory, churchwardens are banding together to host events to raise funds.

Reverend Sharon Eldergill, from St Andrew’s Church, said the stable is a ‘rich’ part of the town’s history and is urging the community to support the scheme.

She said: “The old stable is a Grade-II listed building and is part of the church property that we are obliged to maintain in the interests of historical conservation.

According to parish records, the stable has been on the site since 1841 and was used by residents who tied up their horses there when attending church services.

She said: “It is part of the rich and varied social history of Burnham and we need to keep it standing.

“The church has been quoted £19,000 to renovate the stable and as the church is not state funded in England, unlike some other European countries, the restoration committee is looking at way to raise funds for the stable.”

In a bid to raise funds, the church is hosting a ‘Magic of the Musicals’ concert on July 28 and is looking to host more fundraising events throughout the year.

Revd Eldergill said no deadline has been set to raise the funds but is ‘hopeful’ it will be achieved.

She added: “Renovation is an ongoing project that is part of our responsibility for the buildings handed down to us through generations of the life of the people in Burnham.

“Meanwhile St Andrew’s Church continue to minister for the people of Burnham both inside and outside of the building.

“We hope funds can be raised to restore the stable.”

Tickets for Magic of the Musicals concert cost £10 and are available from The Crafty Teacup and Burnham Information and Rescue and Support.