Leicester Mercury

Leicester has some very fine 19th century Victorian churches designed by the greatest architects of their day. But with the changes that have taken place in the city over the past 50 years, some of these churches have been closed and allowed to deteriorate - much to the dismay of groups such as the Leicester Civic Society and the Leicester Group of the Victorian Society. Some churches, after years of appalling decline, found a new use: St Mark's, as a venue, would be an example. Now, there's good news on two more. In fact, in the latest edition of the Leicester Citizen, the journal of the Leicester Civic Society, the good news is explained - although there's some less pleasing news about another once fine church. "The church of St Peter, in Highfields, has received a £159,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. "St Peter's is the only work in Leicester of the distinguished Victorian architect, G E Street and was completed in 1874. "Originally boasting a handsome spire, this was demolished in 1968. "St Peter's is listed Grade II and one of a number of historic churches in Leicester on the Historic England Register of Buildings at Risk. "The grant will enable work to start on urgent structural repairs to the tower, stabilising the stonework and removing the risk of further damage to the roofs. "The grant will also enable the church to develop heritage educational work with families in conjunction with nearby primary schools. "On completion of physical works, St Peter's can be removed from the Register of Buildings at Risk. "This will be warmly welcomed by the Leicester Civic Society and the Victorian Society, which has been concerned over the fate of St Peter's for a number of years. "St Saviour's was completed in 1877. It was the last and greatest of four churches in Leicester by Sir George Gilbert Scott and is listed Grade II*. "It is a vast red brick church with a nave seating one thousand, the timber roof of which is outstanding. Restoration: St Peter's Church, in Highfields, Leicester, has received a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for 'urgent structural repairs'. "The adjoining church rooms were constructed in 1883 and are the work of the distinguished Leicester architect Stockdale Harrison.