St Ubaldeska church in Paola, its facade in a state of disrepair, the sides showing signs of widening fissures and its roof leaking, is being restored by the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry’s Restoration Division.

Minister Ninu Zammit, who was on site yesterday, said the works were part of a restoration programme being implemented over the past months and years which is helping to conserve the country’s historical heritage.

St Ubaldeska church was the parish church of Paola until the church of Christ the King was built in the 20th century. Originally St Ubaldeska church was much smaller, but when the population of Paola started growing, it was enlarged in the 19th century. Restoration work is being done on most of the church and a study has also been launched to try to determine the reason for the fissures that have developed over the years.

The work, which was taken in hand in March, is expected to be completed during summer.