AN ASCOT church is set to miss out on thousands of pounds in income after it was announced Royal Ascot would be closed to the public.

The flagship event could still televise its races but without racegoers streaming into the town several businesses and organisations are set to miss out on money pouring in from punters.

READ MORE: The tech company with a base in Berkshire taking on Donald Trump

All Saints Church, on London Road in Ascot, is likely to miss out on £10,000 in parking fees due to the cancellation.

Reverend Dr Darrell Hannah told the News: “We knew it was coming.

“The longer the lockdown went on, the less likely Royal Ascot would be.#

Bracknell News:

“I personally think it is the right decision. You can’t, during this lockdown, safely have that many people in one place.

“By the time they made the decision, it seemed like the only logical decision they could make, so obviously yes I am disappointed that we can’t do it, but in the context, it’s the right decision.”

READ MORE: Will the tips re-open soon? Fly-tipping issue addressed

Around 80 cars park at the church site every day during the five-day racing event, and a number of racegoers picnic on the site’s lawn where tea, cake and coffee are sold too.

In an email to those who had already booked car parking slots, Reverend Hannah wrote: “Over the last thirty years or so we have built up some strong friendships with racegoers and it will leave a gap in our lives not seeing you this year.”

The message also told drivers the cancellation of the event and the reduction in income would mean the church sees a “significant shortfall” in funding this year, as the parish aims to raise around £175,000 every year to pay employees, maintain its building, support local charities and more.

Reverend Hannah asked racegoers to consider whether they wanted a full refund, wanted to donate their fee to support the church, or wanted to have some money refunded and some donated.

Asked what the response has been like so far, Reverend Hannah said: “A gentleman in the parish looking after this said to me that the initial response was very positive and he was very encouraged by it.

“Clearly there are people who have made a donation.”

READ MORE: All the latest coronavirus news from where you are

The coronavirus lockdown has meant the church has had to operate differently in recent weeks.

Services have not been able to go ahead in the church so have instead been conducted through video-call service Zoom.

Younger parishioners have been able to run errands, pick up groceries and collect prescriptions for more vulnerable members of the community unable to get out.

Reverend Hannah added: “Alongside being a worshipping community, we’re here to serve the community, to help people.”