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UK News

Church candles to remain unlit due to health and safety

by Hannah Tooley

800-year-old St Michael's Church has been called a danger because the chorister has been climbing a 20ft ladder for the past two decades to light the church's chandelier candles.

David Smith, 60, has now been told by insurers that he is not allowed to climb higher than 9ft, according to The Daily Mail.

The Macclesfield grade II listed building pays a £11,000 per year insurance bill.

This now means that if Mr Smith wants to light the 90 candles on the chandelier he would be doing so at his own risk.

He told the paper: "It's disappointing, but it's happening everywhere.

"It will be very sad if we can no longer light the candles."

Church members have now begun to raise funds to for an electronic winch, which will allow it to be lit from the ground.

It is expected to cost around £7,000.

Mr Smith added: "Sadly, these health and safety regulations have restricted what I can do.

"Once we get permission to use the pulley system and raise enough money, we'll finally be able to light them again."

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