THE project to expand the chapter house at a town s church has reached a major milestone. Six months after the public appeal for funds to build an extension to the chapter house at St Andrew s Church in Shortmead Street, Biggleswade was launched, the resp

THE project to expand the chapter house at a town's church has reached a major milestone.

Six months after the public appeal for funds to build an extension to the chapter house at St Andrew's Church in Shortmead Street, Biggleswade was launched, the response topped £100,000 at the weekend.

Thanks to major grants from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited), Mid Beds District Council and Biggleswade Town Council, the church's fundraising efforts are on track to achieve the project costs of £250,000.

A variety of socials, concerts and sponsored events at the church are planned for the rest of the year.

Recently the St Andrew's bell ringers donated £150 to the fund and the scouts, rainbows and brownies have also been helping raise money.

Detailed building plans are currently being drawn up and it is hoped building work will start early next year.

Earlier this year residents in nearby Ivel Gardens lost an appeal against the planning application. They said an extension of the chapter house would increase parking congestion in the street and also bring increased noise but Mid Beds councillors threw out the appeal.

"We are actively trying to address the problems residents have regarding car parking and noise," said St Andrew's spokesman Paul Williams.