BOLD plans which could rejuvenate historic Quoitings Square have been announced by Christ Church, Marlow.

The United Reformed Church hopes to go forward with a £400,000 refurbishment to the Grade II Victorian building, which dates back to 1840 but was once dubbed a 'problem site'.

The work includes major landscaping at the front of the church which runs along Oxford Road, moving the car park to the back of the site, a lift to give easy access to all three levels of the building, new meeting rooms, an office, kitchen and toilets on all levels.

The plans were showcased at Marlow Town Council last week and, despite not receiving outright support from the council, the group is confident that the scheme will be accepted by Wycombe District Council.

Martin Ashford, project manager for the Cornerstone Project and a church member, said: "We think this is a good plan and we will fight for it every inch of the way. We have done our level best to consult with planners on this."

If Wycombe District Council gives the go ahead for the project, Mr Ashford predicted work could start by spring 2002.

He said: "The top of our list in these works is access. This will make a huge difference to the elderly and disabled, who find it very difficult or impossible to get into the building.

"It will also make us far more appealing. We are very committed to growth and there is still a massive need in Marlow for youth work which I would like to think we could take forward and also become much more of a focus within the community."

Half of the funding for the project will come from the Wessex Province, the URC's equivalent of a diocese. The rest will come from fundraising £100,000 has already been raised.

Ron Waters, chairman of Marlow Society, said: "The square could become a real focal point for the town."