Rye News reported last week that the low parapet (and even lower bars in the gaps in the parapet), after the 84 step climb to the top of the Norman tower, is unsafe and temporary panels have been put up to protect the thousands of visitors a year who go up to admire the view for miles across the marshes.
However, the diocesan board have approved in principle the installation of railings around the parapet of St Mary’s church tower, writes Kenneth Bird. Probably made of stainless steel, the protective rail will be bolted to the parapet and project inwards and upwards to the prescribed height of 1100 cm (subject to any concerns as this is a historic building).
The existing iron crossbars have caused corrosion damage to the stonework and will be cut out and the stone made good by local stonemasons, Elliott Brotherton. Scaffolding will need to be erected around the tower for this purpose, which will also enable repairs to be made to the church roof.
The project is being managed by the Friends of St Mary’s, with a budget of £10,000 shared between them and the parochial church council (PCC). Friends’ Chairman Anthony Kimber expects that Rother District Council planners will grant consent shortly (subject to any conservation concerns) and the work can proceed to completion in the next few months, allowing for the temporary screens to be removed.
The urgency of the project stems from the concerns of insurers and safety advisers following an accident that occurred at Wells Cathedral in recent years which led to all PCCs being advised to check their safety standards. The importance of maintaining revenue earnings from visitors to the tower, estimated at over £50,000 a year including Gift Aid, gives added impetus to the project.
Photo: Kenneth Bird