Work will begin this year to save a historic Grade II* listed church whose future was threatened with an infestation of death watch beetles.
St Barrwg’s Church, in Bedwas, which dates from the medieval period, will have repairs carried out to its roof after the infestation forced it to close.
The pest infestation, which eats wood, was discovered during previous repair work.
Reverend Midge Moore said: “People were puzzled about what was happening because, while it seemed from the outside that the scaffolding had gone and the renovation was complete, the building remained closed.
“Well, the scaffolding is now on the inside holding the roof up.”
Last year the church was awarded £180,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the repairs – which are due to begin in the spring.
As a condition of the grant, the church has to be used as a community resource and facilities such as a new toilet and kitchen will also be installed.
A consultation was launched to ask the wider community how they would like to use the church.
Rev Moore added: “We invited the local community to come and give their ideas for the future of the church. We had a really encouraging response and plans are now being drawn up to enable the vision to become reality.
“A toilet and an area for serving refreshments will be installed and the building will be easily accessible to all.
“We are hoping to start work in the early spring of 2014 and to reopen the church building in the autumn of that year.
“A re-dedication service will be held and we will open the church so people are able to see the work which has been done. This will be well-publicised.
“We have had a great deal of support from many people including Bedwas Methodist Church, the Church in Wales, the Diocese of Monmouth and the local community who have shared their thoughts and ideas with us.”
• For further information on ways to help achieve the church’s community vision please contact Rev Peter Crocker, Rector peter.crocker1@btinternet.com or Rev Midge Moore on revmidgemoore@btinternet.com 07568154751