Sponsored by
Chorley church could collapse
Residents have been put on high alert after it was revealed Chorley's oldest church could collapse.
Chorley Council has written to homeowners living close to St Laurence's Church to warn them the 800-year-old building could slide into Hollinshead Street in the next 10 to 15 years.
The Chorley landmark is built on a clay hill and experts believe the stone retaining wall could collapse - taking the church with it.
Talks are now underway to determine who is responsible for the up-keep of the site so urgent investigative work can be undertaken.
Buildings that would be affected include the Swan with Two Necks pub, Chorcliffe House and properties in Hollinshead Street and even Water Street.
Resident Philip Philips, of Chorcliffe House, has spoken of his shock at receiving the letter from Chorley Council.
He said: "It would be a tragedy if this was allowed to happen to the church. For old people reading the letter it could also be very frightening.
"The church is a landmark and a real part of Chorley. It isn't just scenery, it's part of the community and it would be a real shame.
"I read the letter and I thought 'wow' - it's not something you expect to receive through your letterbox, but it's important people know what's happening."
Neighbour Patrick Lacey, of Hollinshead Street, added: "There is a lot of history attached to the church and this has come totally out of the blue. I regularly walk past the wall and you can see where it has bellied out, but I didn't expect this."
Read the full story in the Chorley Guardian - out now!
Tell us your story and send your Easter pictures to: natalie.banks@lep.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
