Church in need of roof repair
SOHAM S St Andrew s Church will be closed to the public on weekdays from Monday until July 6, while a comprehensive survey is carried out on the roof. A team of experts, led by architects Purcell Miller Tritton, will be assessing the full extent of the pr
SOHAM'S St Andrew's Church will be closed to the public on weekdays from Monday until July 6, while a comprehensive survey is carried out on the roof.
A team of experts, led by architects Purcell Miller Tritton, will be assessing the full extent of the problems with the roof and coming up with a plan for repairs as well as finding out about its history.
Problems came to light with the 15th Century roof when the church was treated for death-watch beetle at the end of 2005. As well as damage caused by the beetles, rotting timber and possible structural movement was discovered.
The 140-year-old lead is also likely to need replacing and the upper windows are in need of repair.
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It is estimated that the work, including the survey, will cost £290,000. English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund are giving a grant of £80,000 leaving £210,000 for the church to find from other sources. It is hoped that some of the money will come from the sale of the redundant church hall.
The church will be closed to the public for safety reasons while scaffolding is being erected and again when it is taken down later. Services, however, will continue as normal.
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The vicar, the Rev Tim Alban Jones, said: "We are very sorry if the investigations cause inconvenience but the work is absolutely essential in order to inspect the roof thoroughly. Once the inspection has been completed, we will be able to know the full extent of the damage and also what repair work needs to be carried out.
