Ludlow town walls collapse 'could put church at risk'
The collapse of walls bordering the graveyard at Ludlow's St Laurence's Church may be putting the structural integrity of the church building at risk, it has been claimed.
Repairs to Ludlow's town walls need to be undertaken as a matter of urgency, say church leaders. The section of walls collapsed about two-and-a-half years ago.
Shaun Ward, clerk of works at the church, said: "We have installed a digital monitor to measure the structural impact of the collapsed walls on the church. The church tower is estimated to weigh 3,000 tonnes, so obviously any structural issues could have potentially severe consequences."
He said: "In the past, Shropshire Council and Ludlow Town Council have carried out maintenance work on the church.
"We understand that liability for maintenance of the walls should have passed to the town or county council, as the graveyard has been closed since the 1860s."
Shropshire Council was contacted about this issue but was unavailable for comment.
A spokesman for the PCC said it has already agreed to exploratory investigations to be undertaken. He said: "
It is the opinion of the counsel for the appointed and acting for the church, that the obligation to repair the wall arises due to various statutory provisions in government acts and lies therefore with either Shropshire Council or Ludlow Town Council."
The PCC will hold a meeting on June 26 to discuss the situation.
The Venerable Colin Williams, rector of St Laurence's, said: "It has now been two-and-a-half years since the wall collapsed.
"It is really important for the church community and the town community that we get the situation sorted as quickly as possible."
