Villagers have been left frustrated at the inaction of a charitable trust after it failed to replace a church floor it ripped up without permission for nearly 20 years.
St Andrew’s Church in Walpole has been left in a sorry state since the Churches Conservation Trust removed part of the 19th century floor in 2007.
The group says the work was carried out as part of investigations into damp issues, which were causing “significant damage”.
It was hoped this may help reveal the cause of the moisture quandary but it has provoked anger among locals as it was carried out without the proper consent needed from West Norfolk Council – as a listed building, any changes to the building require approval from planners.
After 17 years, the church remains in the same state, adding to frustrations in the rural village as it has prevented the site from being used for community events.
Stuart Potter, a member of the Friends of St Andrews group, highlighted these concerns at a West Norfolk Council planning committee meeting this week, saying that the work should not have been carried out without consent or a long-term plan.
“For 20 years this community has not been able to fully utilise the church. The floor needs to be reinstated,” he said.
However, a replacement floor could soon be taking shape.
Councillors granted permission for the work to be carried out at the church by the Trust, with the condition that work must begin within the next year.
Although there remains confusion as to whether this will be a permanent or temporary solution.
The Trust say it needs more time to determine in what way the floor should be replaced and to ensure the design will not exacerbate the erosion of the building’s columns.
‘A handsome old church’
Built in the 15th century on top of an older Roman and Medieval site, the Churches Conservation Trust describe St Andrews as “worn but handsome”.
While an impressive structure, it is in the shadow of the more impressive St Peter, which is known as the ‘cathedral of the Fens’.
The church was made redundant by 2005 and it had fallen into a state of disrepair, with its stone chancel and columns becoming heavily eroded by damp.