EMERGENCY repairs are being carried out to the main entrance at Holy Trinity Church.
Stonework above the North Porch was found to be loose and unstable during church architect Stephen Oliver’s recent five year inspection.
Masons have started work on the repairs which are set to cost more than £30,000 and take some three months to complete.
Mike Warrillow, chairman of the PCC Buildings Team, said: “Stephen looked at the North Porch and found that the parapet stonework over the door was unstable. The top of the cross above the porch was very loose and could be lifted off. Also one of the pinnacles on the corner was loose, which Stephen removed.
“We immediately went to the Diocesan Advisory Committee to have emergency approval granted for repairs which they gave us within 48 hours.
“Some of the work is weather dependent. We want to make sure we are not undertaking mortar work in the frost and for such a critical area we want to ensure we have an excellent match for any stone that requires replacement.”
Scaffolding has been put up which will ensure the North Porch can safely continue as the main entrance for both worshippers and tourists.
* Christmas collections at Holy Trinity Church raised close to £6,000 – some £1,230 up on the previous year.
Each of the three charities the parish decided to support – Street Pastors, Echoes at Stratford Hospice and the Voices for the Voiceless Choir – received just under £2,000.
Revd Patrick Taylor said: “It was a wonderful response from our congregation.”
Scaffolding will ensure the North Porch can safely continue to be the entrance for both worshippers and tourists. (s)
