IT IS hoped that work will soon begin on the transformation of the derelict Moravian Church in Malmesbury.

The project, which aims to turn the listed church in the centre of the town into an extension of the Athelstan Museum, is making good progress, says the team behind the plans.

The Friends of Athelstan Museum (FOAM), the group responsible for the project, has applied for listed building consent to allow the work to take place and are now awaiting the council’s decision.

Roger Griffin, of FOAM, said he hopes the application will not run into any issues.

“We’ve had long discussions with the official concerned and we don’t anticipate any problems," he said.

“He’s seen the plans and we’ve modified them based on his comments. When we have the final approval, we can get the builders to tweak their quotations and then hopefully go ahead.”

Roger said that Foam would like the building work to begin in about three months and that the project would take about six months to complete.

The Moravian Church was recently acquired through public donations gathered by Foam and members are still appealing for funds for the work.

However, Roger says that enough money has been raised for the project to get underway.

He said: “We’re in the position now where we can confidently start and come to some sort of conclusion. We’re still looking for money so we can do a quality job. We want to equip it well.”

Foam recently welcomed the Vale Action Local group, which was responsible for granting the Moravian Church project nearly £100,000 last year under the EU Leader Scheme.

Anyone who wishes to support the project with a donation can contact Roger on 01666 822230.