All Saints plans on view

Residents and community groups were asked to look at possible moves in the redevelopment of All Saints Church, Sidley.

The church is planning to release land at the back of the building to developers, thereby boosting its finances and allowing the building of a new church hall to replace the aging facility members have currently.

Visitors were shown sketches by approved church architects Clive Mercer.

Church staff pointed out the plans were still at a consultation stage and advice and suggestions are being sought from local groups.

Church warden Michael Turnbull said: "I suppose this started about two years ago when the Bishop of Lewes suggested that to help us with our finances we might look at some of the land we have at the church which is not really used much and overgrown.

"The idea was to get a developer to build something like warden-assisted flats and we could have a new hall and the money to put us firmly in the black.

"The hall we have is well used but has started wearing out and it is not worth repairing when it could be demolished and replaced with a new one.

"About 25 local organisations in Sidley and Bexhill have been invited and we are just asking for their thoughts and suggestions - especially the Sidley Community Association - to find out what they have got or don't have and how our facility could compliment theirs."

Mr Turnbull said the church is on the look-out for any volunteers who would be well suited to providing advice on the scheme.

He said: "What we don't have is somebody involved in the church with a background as an architect or a chartered surveyor which would be useful. We very much want to make this a community facility."

For more information on the plans contact All Saints on 01424 221071.