A CHURCH’S dream of becoming a centre for the community has got one step closer thanks to a £62,000 grant from English Heritage.

Daron Medway became the vicar at St John the Evangelist in September 2008 and its location made him think it would be ideal as a community hub.

Situated just off the High Street in St John’s Road, Penge, it is hired out by the Prince’s Trust charity every week and also by an aerobics group.

But problems with its roof and with water seeping into the walls mean it is not up to the standard of a 21st century public building.

The grant will go towards repairing the roof and drainage so rainwater runs away from the building rather than into the building.

The Reverend Daron Medway said: “It functions as a church but it does not work for the standards of public buildings.

“We are on the first rung of the ladder for getting the building for the community.

“We need to make sure it is safe for them.”

Investigative work will now take place to assess how much damage the water has done with repairs expected to start next summer.

Mr Medway added: “When I first arrived I realised it was going to be a piece of work.

“My vision is to be a church where we develop and build a community.

“The second thing is to be helping people in the community and the thirdly we want to be a positive witness to the Christian faith.”