Sir, – The Chantry Hall in Bedale, which belongs to St Gregory’s Church, is now warmer and will use less fuel in the years to come thanks to work done with help from Hambleton District Council and the Hambleton Strategic Partnership through their community grants scheme.

The church has an environment group who presented plans for approval by the PCC and then co-ordinated two initiatives to save fuel for the life of the building by installing cavity wall insulation in 2009, and under-floor insulation in 2010.

Plans for cavity wall insulation were presented to the PCC and, with their approval, Roger Horrell successfully applied for a grant. He also arranged for the work to be done. This grant paid for 75pc of the cost.

Under-floor insulation was the next target (roof insulation was not possible due to the building’s construction), and the PCC again agreed.

Maurice Humphries undertook the arrangements and an approach was made to Swaledale Caving Club, who were able to install the insulation in a very constricted space.

Pete Roe from the caving club was appointed as the installer of the insulation. The grant again paid for 75pc of the cost.

Both these improvements have made the Chantry Hall a more comfortable and warmer place for parishioners, and reduced fuel usage.

Thanks are due to Peter Cole from HDC who was helpful in assisting the church to get both grants.

MRS S BEEKEN Member of St Gregory’s Church Environment Group Leyburn Road, Hunton, Bedale.