All Saints' fire raised in Commons

MP Robin Swann has highlighted the plight of the congregation at All Saints’ Church in Antrim, which was left badly damaged after an accidental blaze over the festive period.

The UUP man was speaking at a recent Westminster debate on the future of the ‘Listed Places of Worship Scheme’.

The South Antrim rep argued that there was a ‘pressing need’ for support for local churches - particularly as the expensive clean-up operation continues in his own constituency.

“All Saints’ Parish Church in Antrim is one of the finest Elizabethan Gothic ecclesiastic buildings open for worship in the whole island of Ireland,” he told the House.

“Originally built in 1596, it is currently embarking on a repair project for its bell tower, which will cost just over a quarter of a million pounds.

“The church has applied for significant funding, but the £45,000 that it hopes to claim from this scheme would be crucial to budgeting for that work.

“That church is of specific interest because unfortunately, following this year’s Christmas morning service, there was a fire in the church causing significant internal smoke damage.

“The church is now looking to repair the smoke damage while continuing with planning for the original repair work, so its congregation is now required to undertake two significant fundraising efforts.

“It is willing to do that, but the continuation of the listed places of worship grant scheme is crucial to its budgeting.”

The Ulster Unionist MP also raised the concerns of other Churches.

“In regards to other churches in my constituency and across Northern Ireland, representatives of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland who I spoke to talked about the essential services in other churches and church buildings that now may come under pressure, as all Members have raised.”

Mr Swann finished his remarks with reminding the Minister of a quote Proverbs 11:14.

“‘Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers’.

“The Minister has many advisers in this place who are advising him to keep this scheme open.

“I would encourage him to listen to those words.”

This got an acknowledgement from the Minister, Chris Bryant MP, himself a former Anglican Priest.

Following the debate, the Government confirmed to Mr. Swann that they are extending the listed places of worship grant scheme until 31 March 2026, although with a reduced allocation.

The new scheme has an annual limit of £25,000 on the amount individual places of worship can claim in the coming year, with the overall fund limited to £23 million. Based on previous scheme data, he said, 94% of claims should be unaffected by this change.

“This will be of some comfort to our Church communities, although a reduced allocation will be disappointing, many feared that it would not be renewed at all,” said Mr Swann.