LEDBURY people are being advised to watch out for the spectacle of steeplejacks on Ledbury church spire in the weeks to come, now a programme of extensive repair works has started.

If all goes to plan, the work should be completed by Christmas or the New Year, at a cost of around £50,000.

Alan Pratt, secretary of the Parochial Church Council for St Michael and All Angels said a new stabilising rod for the spire is being put in place, to replace a similar rod that is failing.

The new rod, however, will not be attached to a counter balance, unlike the old system, but it will be linked to a modern support frame, which under tension of around 1.24 tonnes will help to keep the spire steady.

The steeplejacks will soon work on the outside of the spire, to repair masonry. For safety purposes, the spire will remained fenced off until the work is completed.

But people will still be able to see what is going on, if only from afar.

Mr Pratt said: "I advise people to keep an eye on the spire for strange happenings, because the steeplejacks will soon be at work."

So far, around £16,000 has been donated towards the spire appeal, which Mr Pratt described as "a very generous response".

But he added: "The appeal is still open, of course, and we would welcome further donations."

If there is a shortfall at the end of the appeal, the PCC may have to settle up through its own resources.

Of the £16000 donated so far, around £8000 had come from the church congregation and £8000 from the Ledbury community and the surrounding villages.

Architects identified faults in the 250-year-old spire of St Michael and All Angels Church, in the centre of Ledbury, and work has started quickly to prevent serious structural damage.

Anyone wishing to contribute can send donations to the team office at the Rectory, Worcester Road, Ledbury HR8 1PL.

Cheques should be made payable to PCC of Ledbury (Spire Appeal).

Please include your name and address if you wish Gift Aid to be claimed on your donation.

Further details on 01531 631531.