The Church Council has been working for a number of years to improve facilities for the disabled. Physical changes to the building are difficult because of the Grade 1 listing and the need to preserve its historical features. Nevertheless significant progress has been made. New and improved internal lighting has been installed which together with large print books has been welcomed by those with poor sight. External lighting operated by movement sensors illuminates the paths and the Parish Council has kindly funded a new street light at the Queen's Gate entrance to the churchyard. An integrated sound and hearing loop system helps those with hearing difficulties. The nave is too narrow to permit the construction of a permanent low gradient ramp in place of the steep steps down into the church, but a light weight portable ramp has been purchased to provide easy access for wheel chair users. The District Council has, at the church's request, constructed close to the main entrance to the churchyard a new lay-by with a raised section to provide easy access to buses and taxis. There is still much to do!
Funds are being raised to replace the beaten earth paths by new paths constructed from buff-coloured setts, levels will be adjusted to remove trip hazards and a new small parking area for mobility scooters will be provided adjacent to the main door. The scheme has all the necessary approvals and fund raising is well advanced. If you would like to make a donation towards this important improvement please follow the link on the Home page.
A future project, when funds permit, will involve a substantial re-ordering of the interior to facilitate the provision of a suitable lavatory.