Work is expected to start at the St Mary’s Church graveyard in April 2024, to remedy issues with the bowing Church Yard wall.

The issues with the wall have arisen due to historic burials which have been placed on top of each other, with more significant weight from stones and tombs above causing pressure below.

Working closely with the Diocese and experts in this field, Purton Parish Council has undertaken initial investigations, in a careful, considerate, and respectful manner.

These investigation works, have provided some early information, but further assessments will be needed to fully understand the type of remedial works needed, and the level of urgency that the work will need to be completed.

In the event of expected remediations, works should complete in line with planned budgets within 2024.

Should more extensive works be required, a more costly and substantial programme of works may be needed in 2025.

To safely complete works, Church End will need to be closed to traffic from St Mary’s Church onwards, for an estimated month.

Further updates will be made available in the Purton Magazine and on the Purton Parish Council’s social media accounts.