INSTALLATION of the long-awaited replacement heating system for St Mary Magdalene Church in Launceston will soon begin, with the church to close temporarily.

However, the regular mid-week and Sunday services will continue throughout the 10-week closure at St Mary’s Church Hall, with permission from the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Rev Tim Thornton.

The installation of the replacement heating system is due to commence on September 19.

It is hoped all works can be completed within the 10-week timescale, and church can re-open at end of November in time for Advent and Festival of Cribs and Christmas Trees.

The church will close to the public after morning service on Sunday, September 11 to allow the building to be cleared in advance of asbestos removal work, which will start on September 12 — there is asbestos in a duct near the north door. TMS Environmental Services will carry out the work over five days and their Decontamination Unit and van will be parked outside front of church during this time.

Throughout the 10-week closure there will be no access to church, although bell-ringers may be let into tower to ring on some occasions.

Once asbestos has been removed J M Brewer Ltd, Heating Contractors, will move on site together with sub-contractors stone masons Ian Piper and Son, and builders R Worth and Sons. The organ will be covered by Lance Foy Organ Builder. Project programme is being overseen by Le Page Architects who will attend monthly progress meetings.

Churchwarden Heather Letts said: “Of course unforeseen events may occur, large areas of flooring slabs will be lifted for excavation of new pipework ducts, who knows what underground discoveries will be revealed? If it proves necessary for an archaeologist to identify any finds this may delay the project.

“Photos will be displayed in the outside notice-board so that parishioners can see how work is progressing and be informed on points of interest etc.”

Once contractors move into the building there will be disruption in all parts so it is important that precious objects are protected or removed before work begins. If you are available to help in any way contact the church wardens as soon as possible — Heather Letts on 01566 772857 or Brenda Mitchell on 01566 774697.

St Mary’s will be having a stall at Launceston Market in the Square on Saturday, September 10, 10am to 3pm. As well as having items for sale to boost their heating appeal, they will be handing out leaflets giving details of church closure dates and alternative arrangements and venues for Sunday and mid-week services.

Their ‘radiator chart’ showing progress of the heating fund will be displayed together with photos of the present system’s corroded pipes and boiler. Donations for the stall will be welcome, bric-a-brac, plants, cakes, children’s books and toys etc. Anyone who can spare one hour to help man the stall during the day can contact Heather on 01566 772857.