Long-awaited repair works start on church's spire and tower stonework

The spire and tower at St Michael and All Angels Church in Chetwynd, near Newport, have been in desperate need of repair for a number of years and work has begun this week with scaffolding being erected at the building. The church will remain open as normal, including for services, throughout the works which are due to be finished by early December.

It is estimated the repair will cost about £210,000. The church still needs to raise about £30,000 of that money but has been forced to begin the work it can do now because of a time limit on a £108,000 English Heritage grant received in 2012.

Churchwarden Robert Watson Jones said: "We have sufficient funding to complete all the stonework work on the spire and the tower and this can only be done in the warmer months due to drying time needed for the lime mortar being used.

"We would also like to complete the equally vital work on the water management and drainage systems at the same time. It is therefore an act of faith in starting the work in the hope that the balance will be raised before it is finished. We are confident that the local community will respond to this challenge."

The structural problems at the Chester Road church came to light following an inspection in 2011 and fundraising events including coffee mornings and concerts have been held to raise money to carry out the repairs.

Fundraising at the church will continue with a number of other grant applications in progress. A jazz concert with Roger Price is being held in church on Saturday, August 30, at 6.30pm. Tickets can be obtained from The Courtyard gift shop in Newport or from any church member, with further events planned for the autumn.

Mr Jones added: "I think there is great relief in the church and the parish that the repair work is starting because it creates some momentum. The work should finish by early December and the church remains open as normal."

Anyone who can help fundraise can contact Mr Jones on (01952) 608227.