Tower and Spire Update Feb 2025 

 As part of ongoing works to the tower and spire we have had to enclosed the area directly below the tower and spire with fencing, and here's why: 

TL;DR The condition of the flint work on the tower has gotten worse and we need to fence off the area underneath the tower to keep everyone safe until we can repair the tower (hopefully later this year).

For those who enjoy the details...

• In 2023, we discovered two areas where the flint and lime mortar cladding had started to separate from the underlying brickwork of the tower, which we then installed netting as a short term solution. Alongside this, we engaged experts to establish the root cause of the problem and how to address it. 

• The tower and spire surveys that took place in December and January have revealed that the condition of the flint work on the west and south side of the tower has worsened and the danger of it falling off increased, and that the north side of the tower is showing early signs of the same issue.

• The survey reports recommended that we create an exclusion zone around the bottom of the tower (which we have done) hence the current fencing, as the netting alone is no longer the best solution.

Good news: we now know the cause (water ingress not structural issues - phew!), and what needs to be repaired. We are currently working with expert contractors to determine the cost of repairs and have already begun work on an application for a National Lottery Heritage grant to help with this.

Until we can make repairs (hopefully later this year) we will need to use the alternative entrances at the east end of church and the churchyard. Whilst a little inconvenient in the short term, our worship and ministries can continue as normal. We’ll provide updates as and when there is news to share.