THE plans have been finalised for a massive conservation project at Prestwich’s jewel - its Grade I listed parish church.

St Mary’s representatives started drawing up their conservation management plans last year, after winning a £25,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to compile a detailed wish-list.

Now they are in the process of using that plan to submit an application for further funds from the HLF to carry out the work.

Reverend Bryan Hackett, from St Mary’s, said: "It will form a very sound base from which we will bid for further grants.

"We haven’t yet got an amount in mind that we’re aiming for but I should imagine it will run into a six figure number.

"We are hopeful of success, particularly as we won the £25,800 grant to draw up a blueprint but money is very tight all round at the moment.

"And when places such as Heaton Park are struggling to find funds to do up the buildings and the park, we know we are just going to have to pray for the best."

The conservation management plan allows Bury Council, the church and representatives from HLF to see what the main priorities for further conservation work at the church should be.

As part of the plan a detailed description of the landscape, ecology and recreational value of the site have been made. Also, the details of important historical monuments have been logged. Some of the monuments date back to 1641 and others are from the time of the Industrial Revolution.

It is hoped that further Lottery funding can be secured to landscape part of the church yard which is in use today and make repairs to monuments of historical significance or where there is a health and safety issue.

The church’s wish list includes repairing monuments and tombstones to some of its famous parishioners such as John Brooks, who campaigned alongside John Bright and Richard Cobden as part of the Anti-Corn Law League.

Volunteers have already cut back overgrown sections and cleaned up graves as part of a regular facelift programme at the church.

Other plans include repairing the historic boundary walls, resurfacing paths and making them wheelchair friendly, developing their educational information for the many visitors to the church, and conserving the churchyards wildlife.

Copies of the plan can be viewed at Prestwich Library, St Mary’s Church or at Craig House, Bury. For further information call David Dutton on 0161 253 7667.