A good crowd gathered at Whitchurch’s iconic St Alkmund’s Church to see the unveiling of a new purpose-built ramp which will make it much easier for disabled people to attend services.

The church, at the top of the High Street, has been undergoing repairs, refurbishment and modernisation.

The new ramp has been a key part of the project and will make it more simple for people on mobility scooters, in wheelchairs or pushing buggies to access the church.

Reverend Judy Hunt, from St Alkmund’s, is delighted the ramp has at last been unveiled after weeks of building work.

She said: “It’s great to have it finished and have better access.

“People are very pleased with it, whether they’re in scooters, wheelchairs or whatever mode of transport they have.

“It’s good for people with families, too. St Alkmund’s is a beautiful church but it needed – and now has – a modern touch.

“People have more mobility equipment in their old age these days, which didn’t use to be the
case.

“So it’s great we have catered for the needs of people using such equipment.”

The opening was officially carried out last week by former St Alkmund’s church warden Fred Lakin, who cut the ribbon in front of about 30 people.

Rev Judy added: “It was lovely to have Fred here.

“He was the church warden before my appointment.

“He has his own mobility issues so when he comes to Evensong on a Sunday – which he still does – he can make good use of this valuable new access.

“He has served the church and the community here ever so much and so it was great to have him here to mark this opening event and at the same time recognise the service he has given to the church for most of his life.

“We had a good crowd turn out to see the opening, too, which was very heartening.”

Refurbishment work at the church is continuing, which is currently focused on restoring its windows.