Salt laden winds are threatening the fabric and future of St Clement’s Church in the Old Town.

Built in the 14th century the church survived a near-miss from th Luftwaffe in 1943 but is now suffering from the effects of 600 years of stone erosion.

“It’s vital that the stonework is restored now if we are to ensure that this landmark building is to survive for another 600 years,” Chuchwarden Gareth Bendon said this week. 

More than £150,000 has already been pledged in order to repair the west facing side of the church. The Two Towers Trust, a local church charity that raises funds to support the maintenance of the Old Town’s two mediaeval churches, has promised £120,000 of this and work will begin in September.

A further £60,000 needs to be found to enable further essential work on the south and north facing sides of the church to be undertaken.

“The Old own landscape would be significantly poorer if this church’s fabric deteriorated beyond repaid,” says Ken Bentall, Secretary of the Two Towers Trust.  “We need to take action now!”

Anyone interested in supporting theTwo Towers Trust is invited to contact Ken on 07484 720943.

Donations can also be made online via the parish website www.oldtownparishhastings.org.uk