CREDITON Parish Church is looking at a number of improvements and upgrades to the church.

While spokesperson Peter Bunn says it is too early to discuss costs at this stage, he explained: “Broadly what we want to do and why divides into four:

• Roof renewal – most of the lead on the roof dates back to 1849. We know from the quinquennial survey it needs replacing; occasional patching in response to leaks is no longer sufficient. This is crucial to prevent future leaks that can only damage stonework or other fabric.

• Improving disabled access – the current steep south porch ramp leading straight into self closing doors is simply not what is acceptable today.

• Toilet facilities – the current facilities in the building on the edge of the churchyard are far from ideal particularly for anyone wanting to use them in, say, a concert interval on a wet, dark evening.

• A proper internal kitchen/servery – to replace the current arrangement of wheeling around urns of water on a trolley from the existing tap near the vestry, assembling Gopak tables, and having customers balance cups of hot drinks on edges of pews.”

The church is currently seeking some community letters of support.

Crediton Town Council has supported the church plans saying that beyond its primary role as a place of worship, the church serves a wide range of residents, visitors, community groups, schools, musicians, performers and audiences throughout the year.

It said its contribution to the social, cultural and civic life of the town is substantial and highly valued.

The council said it recognised the need to address the deterioration of the church roof and proposals to improve accessibility as well as hospitality within the church and accessible toilet facilities.

It added: “The proposals represent a thoughtful balance between preserving an important historic building and adapting it to meet modern standards.”

Mr Bunn added that the proposals are being developed by the Governors of Holy Cross and Parochial Church Council (PCC) and as part of their faculty application to the Diocese (a sort of Listed Building Consent from the Diocese of Exeter).

He added: “We are all very alive to its history, its beauty and its vital gateway position seen from the south by those coming into the town. We thus want sensitively to enhance its value to the community.”