St Mary’s tower black-listed

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Each year, thousands of visitors climb up St Mary’s church tower, which dates back to the 12th century, to enjoy the spectacular views of the town, and the surrounding countryside. The climb (of 84 steps) is challenging, up a winding staircase, through a very narrow passage above the nave and up two wooden ladders past the bells (not a place to be in at noon) to emerge on the rooftop.

Once there, the circulation around the tower is by no means free of hazard. For many years there have been concerns for safety on account of the low parapet and the gaps in it. Now, urgent remedial action is in hand to make the visitor experience safer, prompted by a recent health and safety inspection.

Plans have been put forward for improved parapet railing to the minimum standard height. The installation will require both planning permission with input from Historic England (formerly English Heritage) and a diocesan licence or faculty, neither yet obtained. Meanwhile, as a temporary measure, black painted plywood panels are being inserted in each parapet opening.

This work should be completed by the end of the week, August 7, according to builder Geoff Goldfinch, and, while the temporary panels may not look aesthetically pleasing, at least they will allow the tower to remain “open for business”.

Image Credits: John Minter .

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