Drivers desperate for parking spots top up All Saints' collection plate

Published: 26 March, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

AN Islington church has raised more than £50,000 over two years by renting out its car parking spaces.

All Saints, in Carnegie Street near King’s Cross, has used the cash to help fund community projects for residents, parents and the homeless. 

The church first registered with Parkatmyhouse – a website offering parking spots throughout the country – in November 2007. Its spaces have proved increasingly popular with rail passengers looking for somewhere to park near the station.

The Reverend Martyn Saunders said: “Thanks to Parkatmyhouse and the 1,000 or so people who parked with us we are able to fund all these events. We are privileged to be able to make use of outdoor space in this way, which would otherwise go unused.” Among projects that have benefited from the parking revenue is Rainbow Toddler Group, which provides “stay-and-play” services for under-fives and their carers three days a week. 

The scheme allows children, largely from surrounding council estates, to make use of the church’s large play space. 

All Saints provides a free, healthy breakfast on a Thursday morning for anyone in the area. Most of those attending live alone or are homeless. The scheme, staffed entirely by volunteers from the congregation, serves up to 70 breakfasts a week. 

The parking cash has allowed the church to offer subsidised space to two Alcoholics Anonymous groups, a newly-formed brownie pack and a low-cost, weight-loss programme.