A member of the committee that helped raise thousands of pounds to improve access at St John's Methodist church says the project is coming on well.

Jim Walwyn said he wanted to give a progress update because of the interest generated in the project as well as all those who donated to it.

And he insisted that the access is no just about helping disabled people into the church, in St John's Street, but to bring more people together at the venue.

"We have had so much interest in the work we having done that we thought that people want to know as soon as possible what's happening," said Jim.

"After all, a lot of Whitchurch people have donated to what we're doing and it's only right they see the progress that's being made.

"We've had significant grants from our circuit and other funding bodies.

"But none of that has come on a plate for us – we have had to work for it and it's been in the making for over 20 years.

"The work is for all around the church, not just the main entrance.

"I don't want it to be considered just improving disability access – it's for everyone who wants to come to the church, including young mums and some older people who can't normally come here."

The work is to improve access at every external entrance in the church, with artificial slopes already fitted inside.

It means the ground on the Brownlow Road/London Road entrance will be brought up by up to two feet to allow for greater access for wheelchairs and buggies.

Jim is delighted with the efforts from both the committee and the staff brought in to carry out the work, and is looking forward to celebrating the finished article.

He added: "We're excited and delighted that the work has finally started and it's brilliant to see the progress that has been made.

"The lads who out of the front on the diggers have been great and the workers from Stone Edge, who are doing the alterations in the church, have also been brilliant.

"All being well, we're going to be finished around April 12 and to celebrate we're going to be holding a concert on May 18.

"There, we'll be having the Farndon Brass Band and Whitchurch Community Choir to perform but the details will be announced closer to the time."