RELIGIOUS leaders insist the proposed £640,000 modernisation of St Mary's Church in Bridgwater has received overwhelming backing from parishioners, even though some have branded the plans “disgraceful”.

The Diocese of Bath and Wells has just completed a major consultation on its plans to replace the church's lead roof and, more controversially, to “reorder” its interior - work which would involve replacing the Victorian pews with chairs, ripping up the floorboards and installing blue lias stone, lowering the chapel and transept floors, and installing under-floor heating.

When the Mercury first reported the plans in May, several readers objected.

Jane Canham, a former Sunday school teacher at the church, told the Mercury: “I was married at the church and I think it's disgraceful.”

The diocese says the work will open up the church to the whole community and says that of 33 comment forms returned during its consultation, all but one was positive.

The diocese also says local groups, schools, funeral directors and councillors have written in support of the scheme, and it now plans to begin work as soon as possible.

Rev Charles Chadwick, vicar at St Mary's, said: “We need to develop and re-shape the church for the 21st century.

“This is the next stage in its evolution.”

A bid for £160,000 has been made to English Heritage towards the £240,000 cost of replacing the lead roof, while a “substantial legacy from a church member” will help towards the £400,000 cost of the interior work.

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