Oakley Frame Buildings to start repairing spire at St Mary’s Church, Long Sutton

A contractor has been found to start essential repair work to a town church’s wooden spire - which is the tallest and oldest in Europe.

St Mary’s Church in Long Sutton needs urgent restoration work - expected to cost £50,000 - as its timber frame is riddled with woodworm and deathwatch beetle. i

Oakley Frame Buildings is due to start in March and will be using similar methods to those deployed on the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The firm will start work at the top of the spire, built around 1200, which should take six to eight weeks to complete.

Jacob Oakley, whose timber business is based in Worcestershire, said: “We will start by repairing the very top platform of the spire - a couple of levels above the bells - and it is in a bit of a bad way.

“The work will be in close quarters and we will do everything in-situ.

“I am a conservationist at heart - and it is important for these things to keep going for future generations.”

Proposals to fix the spire were submitted by Buttress architects to Lincoln Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for approval before work could start.

A hi-tech 3D model showing the intricate timber frame was produced by James Brennan with drawings by structural engineers, Renaissance Associates Ltd, using the most up-to-date technology.

Mr Oakley’s company which specialises timber frame work and heritage was recommended by Renaissance to carry out the repairs.

He added: “This type of work is exclusively our bag and I came recommended by the structural engineer.

“For what we need to do immediately the budget will come a little under £50,000 with a couple of bits to do afterwards.

“Timber trading almost died out after the Second World War and it is fascinating to see how these frames were worked out and built.”

Father Jonathan Sibley, vicar at St Mary’s, has held a number of fundraising events and applied for grants to raise three quarters of the £50,000 needed for repairs.

Finding a contractor proved hard but he is now keen for the restoration to happen before his retirement in the spring.

He said: “Jacob Oakley will be making the structure safe.

“The top level just below the spire will be a second job.

“It will be a really good feeling and nice to have closure.”

The last time work was carried out on the spire was in 1971 and the imminent repair and maintenance should be finished by May.

Steve Welsh, studio principal at Buttress, said: “I am very pleased to have received a tender from a timber frame specialist that was within the £50k budget that we had previously discussed with Fr Jonathan.

“The biggest surprise was that the tender came from a contractor based in Worcestershire whereas some of the more local contractors were unable to provide a tender due to the distance.

“The problem was always finding a contractor with the right skills and experience within a reasonable distance to take on a relatively small but challenging project.”