St Barnabus Church in Hattersley has undergone a free makeover courtesy of contractors Fortem. 

Fortem are the repairs and maintenance contractor for Onward Homes and have carried out some substantial refurbishment works as part of their management trainee programme - and all for free. 

The work at St Barnabus was the successful community project nominated by the company this year.

Works undertaken at the church on Hattersley Road East included the installation of a new kitchen and disabled toilet facility, painting and improvements to the outside space.

Steve Baker, management trainee from Fortem Solutions, who has overseen the project, explained: “There were five contenders for the project and the team went through the pros and cons to see what would have a good social impact and which one we could best achieve.

“So, we met with the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Janet Cooper and my colleagues Den and Lucy, which led to formulating what needed to be done - and St Barnabus won hands down. 

“We work in the area but its great to give back and we’ve also had great support from the supply chain to make things happen.”

Local volunteers have also helped out and been busy painting alongside the team from Fortem. 

The work will make a huge difference to all the groups who use the building.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the works was held recently.

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