A CHURCH worker has reassured confused parishioners and residents that an iconic Leytonstone church is not derelict.

Fears were sparked that St Andrew's Church, in Colworth Road, had fallen on hard times after they noticed 'dramatic' scaffolding around the building.

Helen Gheorgiu Gould, who is a development worker at St Andrew's, said: “People have commented that it looks like the building is derelict.

“However, it is business as usual – we're just having repairs done.”

But she added that, instead of causing attendance to drop off, the repair work has in fact generated more interest in the church from members of the public.

Mrs Gheorgiu Gould said: “People have started coming up this week, saying, 'what are you doing to the church?'

“It's stimulated interest in the church as people have a great affection for St Andrew's even if they don't go there.

“People of all faiths and none register it on their horizon.”

The church, which is currently surrounded by metal sheeting and is covered in scaffolding, was in urgent need of repair to its leaking roof at a total cost of £130,000.

Mrs Gheorgiu Gould said: “Thankfully, we have had a grant of £85,000 from English Heritage.

“Several other local funders are also contributing to the total repair bill, including London Borough of Waltham Forest, London Over the Border Council and Friends of Essex Churches.”

The grade II listed building, built between 1887 and 1893, will see 16 weeks of repair work to mend its roof, drainage and gutters and keep parishioners dry during services.

St John's Church, in High Road, Leytonstone, is in similar need and has been running a campaign to raise funds for its own repair work.