A historic chapel in Warminster is set for a major programme of repair and conservation work after town councillors approved £40,000 in funding support.
St Lawrence Chapel, which has stood at the heart of the town for centuries and is held in trust for the town by 12 Feoffees since 1575, will undergo a series of maintenance and restoration works over the next two to three years.
Councillors unanimously agreed the grant from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) reserves, funding paid by developers to help support local infrastructure, at a Full Council meeting on Monday 22nd June, with £22,000 allocated this year and £18,000 in 2027/28.
The overall programme is estimated to cost £94,500 and is being led by the Feoffees, who say the work will help secure the building’s long-term condition.
“Recent surveys have highlighted that the chapel is in very good condition,” said Ian Frostick, chair of the Feoffees and trustees.
“This reflects the extensive programme of maintenance, repairs and improvements undertaken. We have set ourselves the challenge of undertaking a wide range of projects to lift the chapel into excellent condition.”
The works will include scaffolding around the chapel, a full conservation clean of the stonework and tiles, minor repointing, leadwork repairs and replacement of broken tiles.
Other planned works include installation of gutters and downpipes on the front porch, an overflow pipe to the tower roof, path railing restoration, repairs and replacements to tower windows, repairs to the exterior lead bell rope tube and resurfacing of seven steps in the tower.
Further improvements, including redecoration of the nave, new heating and a fire alarm system, will be funded through alternative grants, donations and fundraising.
“The exterior conservation clean of the much-loved Grade II listed chapel will have a huge impact on the overall visual appearance of the town,” Ian added.
Councillor Bill Parks said he was ‘really pleased’ the council approved the funding, describing the chapel as a ‘centrepiece’ of the town.
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