Wood rot and deathwatch beetles threaten church

A Shropshire church has said without significant investment it could face closure within 15 years due to wood rot and deathwatch beetles.

St Mary Magdalene in Bridgnorth estimates that it will need £3m to remove pews, replace the flooring, get rid of the beetles, upgrade its sound system and replace its heating.

The church is holding a series of public consultations across the town to hear community opinions about plans to save and transform the building.

"It's a really important place for the town, but also for the people over the generations who have come to worship here," said the Reverend Suzan Williams.

"The pews need to come out, the floor needs to be replaced... we'll have a church that is all on one level, so it'll be more accessible to people, less dangerous."

She said the work would ensure the church was sustained and useable for generations to come.

"We've got a number of pop-up consultations in different places in the town, and we've got various opportunities to engage with the community, we've got a survey that's gone out," she said.

"The church isn't closing," she added.

The church was designed by Thomas Telford and dates back to 1792.

The consultations will be held across April:

• Sunday 19 April – Sunday Service (pre-service from 10:00 BST to 11:00, post-service from 12:00 to 13:00)
• Wednesday 22 April – Senior citizens coffee morning, Castle Hall, 9:30 to 11:45
• Wednesday 22 April – Bridgnorth Library, 13:00 to 16:00

The findings of the consultation will be used to inform an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the capital works needed.

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