Crack in tower threatens church closure

AN appeal is being made to readers of The Crier to help save one of West Somerset’s least-appreciated tourist attractions from closure.
The 15th century tower of St Michael’s Church, Minehead, is suffering from a large crack which has appeared in the masonry of its parapet.
Now, the vicar, the Rev Simon Lloyd, needs to raise tens of thousands of pounds to restore the 87 feet high tower or face the possibility of a church closure.
The work has been estimated at £40,000, but scaffolding costs on top could add a further £60,000 to the project.
Mr Lloyd told The Crier: “As a parish, we have three churches, and, much as we love St Michael’s, it is a lot for not a very large, and not a very rich, congregation to maintain without help from anybody else.
“We are not a wealthy congregation and we do not have pots of money and great resources.
“We are grateful to The Crier for raising the issue as a town issue and saying if the town wants St Michael’s to continue, then it would be in the town’s interests to do something about it.
“It would be good to have the businesses of the town behind us, really. St Michael’s is a landmark and the Church Steps is probably the most photographed bit of Minehead and probably one of the most in Somerset, but without the church it is pointless.
“In terms of Minehead’s tourist status, I think the church is actually a strong asset to the town, not withstanding the spiritual ties of the people who have been married, baptised, and buried there.”
The crack was first spotted five years ago and is visible from the ground at the rear of the church.
Because it was not assessed as an immediate threat, the church at the time decided to prioritise the building of an extension for St Andrew’s Church, in Wellington Square.
Now, however, the damage has worsened considerably and, while still not posing an immediate danger of collapse, Mr Lloyd has recognised the tower has to be restored as quickly as possible.
He said: “We were told it was not going to fall down immediately and we could afford to delay things, but we cannot delay indefinitely.
“It is not a major structural fault, but there is a health and safety factor. We have not been told we cannot ring the bells at the moment, but if it is not sorted out it will go that way and we do not know how long it will take.”
Anybody who would like to support the appeal can contact Mr Lloyd by telephoning 01643 703530 or by emailing him at fathersi@dsl.pipex.com.

• Our photograph (top) shows a floodlit St Michael’s Church tower. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M070003. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.
• Our photograph (middle) shows a view of St Michael’s Church, Minehead. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M070002. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.