Church leaders in Ludlow are threatening legal action after claims that ongoing delays to repair the town's historic walls are endangering the safety of St Laurence’s Church.
The stone wall next to the church collapsed nearly twelve years ago, and despite temporary measures to support it, the Ludlow Town Walls Trust warns that these efforts are no longer sufficient.
Accoring to the BBC, The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has raised concerns that the church’s tower and north transept could be undermined, with potential risks to public safety and further land slippage.
In a letter sent by the PCC’s lawyers, they expressed deep concern over the failure to repair the wall, stating that it jeopardises the safety of nearby residents.
They also warned that if no action is taken, they will pursue a judicial review and file a complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman for maladministration.
The collapse, which occurred in February 2013, resulted in a 10-metre section of the wall falling, and it has been fenced off ever since.
Despite the town council accepting responsibility for the repairs in 2015, there has been no progress, and a dispute over responsibility continues.
The church and other stakeholders are calling for the publication of a structural engineering report commissioned in 2017, a report that has already cost taxpayers a significant sum.
Robert Owen from the PCC stated that the council must “engage in constructive dialogue” with other parties involved and stop adopting a “bunker mentality.”
After a recent meeting, the town council suggested that the Town Walls Trust was best positioned to explore solutions that would not financially burden local taxpayers.
Colin Richards, chairman of the Ludlow Town Walls Trust, expressed frustration with the ongoing delays.
He emphasised that the wall is a key part of Ludlow’s heritage and warned that years of rain since the collapse could compromise the stability of St Laurence’s Church.
"The tower weighs 3,000 tonnes—equivalent to ten jumbo jets stacked on top of each other," Richards added.
A meeting will take place this Friday at the Women’s Centre in Ludlow to discuss the next steps.