A HISTORIC church in Catshill has been listed as being ‘at risk’ due to soft sandstone walls which crumble at the touch, and leaks from failing gutters.

Christ Church on Stourbridge Road has been placed in category A of Historic England’s annual Risk Register, which is the highest priority ranking.

The church is listed as being at ‘immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric’ due to the local red sandstone it was built on in 1838.

Church warden Pat Hackett hopes its inclusion will bring awareness to its restoration fund, but admits around £250,000 is needed to cover the repair costs.

She said: “This church is built of local soft sandstone, some is softer in places than others which is the problem. When you come in it is crumbling outside.

“We have squirrels on the roof who do not help matters either as they start eating all the led on the roof.

“Long-term we need to restore the church with hard stone walls but we need money to get the work done. At the last estimate it was about £250,000, so it is a big job.”

The church underwent a big restoration effort between 1995 and 2002 under Rev Richard Harding, but has not had any work done since.

Ms Hackett added: “We are very proud of our little church. For a little country church it has got a lot of history.

“The poet A.E Housman was christened here as his grandfather Rev Thomas Housman was the first vicar.

“It is still a very nice community church. Now we need to get people supporting their local church.”

Donations can be made to Pat Hackett, Christ Church, Stourbridge Road, Catshill, B61 29H, or at the church between Tuesday 10am to 10pm and for Sunday service.