The Greater Manchester grade-1 listed church that was placed 'at risk' due to motorway traffic

A church shaken to its foundations by motorway traffic is no longer on the road to ruin. Two years ago the Grade I listed Parish Church of St Anne in Denton was placed on an at-risk register.

Built in 1880 and a Victorian gothic architectural gem with a stunning interior the building's future was put in jeopardy by the endless thunder of traffic from the nearby M67. Vibrations from the motorway caused settlement around the font and central nave walkway.

But thanks to a £220,000 grant from National Highways it is now on a sound footing. Important improvements to safety and public access, as well conservation work have been done in partnership with Historic England.

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National Highways Project Manager, Betty Wilson, explained: “We’re delighted to be working with St Anne’s Church and Historic England to improve safety and support and preserve Manchester’s heritage.

“In 2021, there were concerns raised by the Diocese of Manchester about the interior brickwork cracking and settlement cracks around the base of the font. Unfortunately, the church was becoming unsafe for the large community who use it, including St Anne’s Primary School across the road. We’re pleased we could provide funding to support the restoration of this important building, a piece of the area’s fascinating history.”

Historic England is the Government’s adviser on the historic environment. The organisation, which champions the nation’s heritage, added St Anne’s Church to the Heritage at Risk Register in April 2022. At the time it said the interior of the church "projects creativity, individuality, and opulence" and is rich in fine craftmanship in