St Mary’s confirms a ‘limited’ reopening

The church, such a focal point for the town’s community, has been closed throughout lockdown.

However, the easing of restrictions means the doors were opened again on Monday of this week, although it could be some time before services are allowed to take place.

The Rev Charles Patrick said: “We’ve looked at the guidance for health related cleaning of the building and completed a risk assessment.

“The building will be open each day of the week - Monday through to Sunday – from 10am-4pm.”

Rev Patrick added one of the main considerations was maintaining social distancing and minimising the number of areas that people might come into contact with.

He explained: “We are going to encourage people in to the open chancel area at the top end of the church if they would like to sit and pray.

“There will be half a dozen chairs spread out in this area, should people wish to sit for a while.

“The chairs will be cleaned on a regular basis.

“The remainder of the seating will be discreetly roped off and the toilets will also remain closed for the time being.

“We intend to leave the door open, if the weather permits.

“At this stage, there will not be a facility to light a candle but this will be re-introduced when feasible.

“There will also be hand sanitiser provided for people to use as they enter the building.

“We have tried to balance the desire for the church to be open with the advice given by the central church to put as many safeguards as possible in place to prevent any spread of the virus.”

For the purposes of ‘track & trace’, people entering the church are being invited to leave their name - and a means of contact - on a form near the door.

The Rev Patrick added: “Hopefully, the measures will allow the opportunity to use the building, balanced with the ease of cleaning those areas that are accessible and keeping everyone who comes into St Mary’s safe.”