Council to spend £564k on historic church repairs

More than £560,000 of repairs are set to be carried out on the ruins of two historical churches which were bombed during World War Two.

Following the attacks, only the towers of St Benedict's and St Bartholomew's in Norwich remain standing.

Senior members of the Green-run city council are expected to approve works on both sites when they meet later this week.

A report warns they have deteriorated and if nothing is done, they could fall into further disrepair, posing a risk to public safety.

Believed to date back to the 11th century, St Benedict's was a round tower church and sits just off the street of the same name, surrounded by blocks of flats.

It was almost completely destroyed during a bombing raid in 1942.

St Bartholomew's, off Heigham Street, suffered a similar fate – but the towers of the two churches remain standing.

They are owned and maintained by the council as heritage assets and the authority's officers have said there are concerns about their long-term future.

Their report warns of "widespread deterioration of masonry and flintwork, failure of historic cement-based repairs…and defects to the roof structure and coverings."

"If these issues are not addressed in a timely manner, there is an increasing risk of further fabric loss, potential safety hazards to the public, and escalation of repair costs," it adds.

It advises the council set aside £564,000 to hire contractors to carry out repairs, with cabinet members due to discuss the proposals on Wednesday.

Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.