Tarmac has committed £30 000 to the regeneration of St Giles Churchyard in Newcastle-under-Lyme, as part of an £800 000 project in partnership with Newcastle Borough District and Heritage Lottery Fund.
the project, archaeologists from Staffordshire University, as well as members of the local community, will transform the historic graveyard into a site for local visitors to enjoy and learn about local heritage.
to the project’s start, the church was blighted by a large spoil heap left behind when the Georgian church was demolished and rebuilt in the 18th century, which prevented the local community from making best use of the space and unearthing the history of the churchyard.
on the project,David Wilson, national waste manager Tarmac stated: “We are delighted to make a contribution to St Giles Community Heritage and Conservation Project. Our support of this is part of Tarmac’s ongoing commitment to working with local communities. The churchyard is set to become a safe, pleasing and stimulating educational heritage environment. I am looking forward to watching the project progress.”
A Victorian-themed celebration event is due to take place when the project is completed in December 2016.
Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden