CHURCH leaders are optimistic they can meet a fundraising deadline to keep a £300,000 grant.

Members of the congregation at New Life Church in Holywell are looking to build a new community facility which will offer services, support and activities to church-goers and members of the wider community.

But to keep hold of the conditional grant award from the Welsh Assembly Government for the project, which is expected to cost £900,000, the church needs to put in a planning application by early May.

With bills of £30,000 needed to be met before the application can lodged with Flintshire Council, the church is facing a race against time to secure the funds with £10,000 raised so far.

Pastor Dan Morgan, who has been head of the Post Office Lane church for more than five years, said: “We are really optimistic that we are going to fund this. We have £10,000 just from donations from local people. The majority of which has come from users from the church.

“We have got plans for other fundraising activities and are hopeful they are going to help us reach the target.”

The main focus of the centre will be offering support to families.

It is also hoped the new facility could provide a boost to traders in Holywell.

Mr Morgan said: “It could also help the town’s economy. If there is a centre in the town where people can come and spend their leisure time it could increase the number of people coming to town.”

The church hosts non-church members activities including a youth group, parents and toddlers, coffee mornings and a kids’ club. If you can help contact 07825699517.