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And the Wall Came Tumbling Down…
At the end of September, after heavy rainfall, around six metres of the west churchyard wall collapsed. Unfortunately, our insurance claim was declined, as the rainfall didn’t qualify as storm damage. The repair is no simple fix. As a retaining (not just boundary) wall, it supports the southern section too. In addition, the wall is in a conservation area, falls within the curtilage of a Grade II listed building, and is the boundary to sacred burial grounds.
We have employed the services of a structural engineer to survey the damage. This raised immediate concerns about the adjoining southern wall at the corner near the footpath gate, as it was no longer properly supported and risked collapse. On safety advice, we applied for – and were granted – a footpath closure order from Wiltshire Council: the first six months cost £1,850, later extended by 12 months for a further £875.
The engineer’s plan for restoration involves clearing the rubble, laying foundations, constructing a reinforced retaining wall with drainage, and facing it with salvaged stone to match the original. After reviewing several quotes, we awarded the job to a specialist conservation firm that has previously worked on the church.
Before work can begin, we have needed to apply for several layers of approval. A Faculty (planning permission within the Church of England) was granted by the Diocese of Salisbury and the Consistory Court. Because the wall falls within the curtilage of a Grade II listed building within a conservation area, Wiltshire Council have required an application for full planning permission. With help from a planning consultant and an arborist, the application is now in and posted at the churchyard gate. Worton Parish Council raised no objections at their meeting on 9th June.
The restoration is expected to cost in the region of £23,000. We have begun the fundraising process and are applying for grants, but we will also need local support to bridge the gap. We are holding an event on Saturday 12th July 2025 9:30am to 12:30pm at Christ Church to provide more information and to begin our community fundraising
Bob Mitchell
On behalf of Christ Church PCC
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