ST MARY'S Church, Banbury, is facing another maintenance crisis just three years after a £1.5m facelift saved the building from closure.

The new threat comes after recent heavy rain revealed leaks in the portico roof. Oak beams inside the roof are starting to deteriorate, and urgent work is needed to prevent dry rot.

A fighting fund has been started with a target of £50,000, and English Heritage has agreed to a grant of £84,000.

The Rev Janet Chapman, vicar in charge of St Mary's Banbury's parish church said: "If we do not act quickly the dry rot could spread through the whole building. Work is underway on the worst part of the roof, and a lead collar is being fitted to the top of the portico."

She added: "Leadwork on the gutters is starting to fail and we have already had some leaks into the gallery, which has caused some of the new paintwork to flake off.

"At the moment, a temporary repair is holding, but we have been advised to replace the lead. Some electrics also need urgent attention."

A group of trustees for the appeal fund, headed by Tim Holloway, includes David Hitchcox, Maurice Humphris, Nigel Yeadon, Mark Hassall, and Roger Verrall.

St Mary's launched its first appeal in 2001. Then, £1.5m was needed to save the church from closing.

About £1m was spent on repairing exterior stonework, and £500,000 on the inside of the church on redecoration, new toilets, disabled access, a stage, refreshment facilities, re-wiring, and a fire alarm.

The church re-opened in 2003 and now operates as a performing arts centre as well as a place of worship.

An annual programme of concerts and other events, organised by volunteer group LiveArts raises some funds for the church but not enough.

Ms Chapman said: " The church costs around £1,500 a week to run. We are grateful to LiveArts. Without their dedication we would not be able to put on concerts at a price people can afford, but profit margins from the events are small."

To donate, contact The Appeal Office, St Mary's Church Centre, Horsefair, Banbury.