Woodworm and deathwatch beetle have led to a church spire being deemed ‘unsafe’ and needing £50,000 of repairs.
Inspections at St Mary’s Church in Long Sutton have found major problems hidden under the lead cladding in Europe’s oldest and tallest spire, meaning repair work is urgently needed.
Spiders have helped deal with the impact of wood boring insects naturally, but the upper level of the spire has been deemed unsafe and structural repairs are being planned to take place in the next couple of months.
Fr Jonathan Sibley, St Mary’s vicar, said: “We now know a definitive cost of £50,000 for the restoration of the spire. Prices have gone up and we did not expect it.
“It has taken a long time and it has been very frustrating to get to this point.
“The specialist survey identified the spiders responding to the woodworm and deathwatch beetle so natural ecology has worked in our favour.”
Following specialist studies at the 13th Century building, Manchester-based Buttress Architects hope to produce a 3D plan of the spire along with a detailed plan and estimated cost.
Steve Welsh, a senior architect from the firm which specialises in ecclesiastical and historic buildings, visited the spire and gave an update on how plans will progress.
He said: “ We contacted a specialist consultant to provide a report on the woodwork and an engineer to report on the structure.
“St Mary’s is the oldest and most complete timber spire in the country and is very important.
“Ultimately the timber consultant came back to me with a report that the natural ecology was sufficient to control the woodworm.
“So we haven't proceeded with woodworm treatment but do need to work on the structural repair.
“The spire has been repaired a number of times in its history and now needs structural repairs at the upper level.
“The upper platform deemed to be unsafe.”
St Mary’s was built around 1200, with its timber carbon dated to as far back as 1120.
Fundraising efforts will now be put into place by Fr Jonathan and his parishioners including at the May flower festival to help raise funds.
Different types of grants for heritage sites like this are available to be applied for and will help towards the target.
Visit the Go Fund Me page to help out the cause.
Got a story? Email jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk
