A FOOTPATH through the churchyard at St Michael the Archangel church in Teignmouth will be closed while preparations are underway for work on the tower pinnacles.
The tower is an historic and well-loved part of Teignmouth’s iconic seafront and skyline.
Some of the stonework on at least one pinnacle is suffering from cracks and it has been decided to close off the area underneath the tower as a precaution.
This involves locking the gates at the Dawlish Street entrance and placing a barrier across the churchyard footpath just to the seaward side of the tower, to prevent entry to the area under the tower from the seaward side.
Although the footpath through the churchyard will be shut, access to the church via the main door will continue as normal.
Giles Hatch, St Michael’s PCC fabric officer, explained: ‘I apologise to those of you, who like me, will miss the use of the path as a shortcut to and from the seafront.
‘We do not know how long the rectification process will take and therefore how long the footpath will be closed; I will keep you updated on progress.
‘Meanwhile, we are hoping to have the church open more regularly soon and we would be delighted to welcome you inside the building, particularly if you’re used to just skirting around the edge on the way to the seafront.’