BRIDGNORTH’S historic St Mary’s Church may be closed for six months for essential work on replacing its 250-year-old timber floor.
During this time other venues will be used for services. However it will not happen for the next 18 months to two years because of existing church bookings and the need to raise funds.
The raised floor has become dangerous in places through rot, and worm and beetle infestation. It is expected that a new tiled and timber surface will cost more than £200,000, with underfloor heating, architectural and archaeological fees likely to add to the final bill.
Churchwarden Tony Riddiford said: “St Mary Magdalene is a major tourist attraction and we will be asking the town’s businesses and residents to help us achieve our financial goal.”
A bric-a-brac stall is to be set up on High Street tomorrow for the floor appeal.