Work is needed on historic Newtown structure

Newtown town councillors will be asked to approve additional funding for maintenance and improvement works at St Mary’s Church following ongoing vandalism and deterioration at the site.

A report going before a full council meeting next week outlines a package of restoration works aimed at improving the condition of the church and surrounding grounds.

The report states that the site “has experienced a significant level of vandalism in recent years”, with efforts already underway to make the area “more welcoming for visitors and residents as a place for reflection and quiet enjoyment.”

Planned works include specialist cleaning to remove graffiti and moss using a hot steam system, repainting of exterior surfaces, repairs to stone walls and steps, and reinstatement of a damaged door on a small mausoleum structure.

The document notes that while cleaning will aim to remove markings, “some staining may remain to avoid damage to the masonry.”

Structural improvements are also proposed, including rebuilding sections of damaged stone walling, installing missing coping stones, and strengthening the mausoleum door “to provide a stronger frame and reduce future vandalism.”

However, councillors are being told that current budgets are not sufficient to cover the full cost of the work.

The report highlights a £4,100 underspend from last year’s maintenance budget and a further £2,000 allocation for the current year, but says this still leaves “a shortfall of approximately £6.5k against the total cost of the essential maintenance works.”

Officers are recommending that the underspend and current budget be combined and that a request is made to transfer an additional £6,500 from general reserves.

The recommendation states this would “enable all identified works at St Mary’s Church to be completed as soon as possible.”

Councillors will discuss the proposals and decide whether to approve the funding when they meet next week.