Church spire work progressing well

WORK on the refurbishment of the spire at Warrington’s historic St Elphin’s Parish Church should be completed before September.
The Rector, Canon Michael Finlay, says work is progressing well with new contractors following the original contractor going into liquidation earlier this year.
For almost a year, the spire – at 281 feet the third highest parish church spire in England – has been hidden by scaffolding.
Work was originally supposed to be completed by Christmas.
Delays occurred when it was discovered additional refurbishment was required – and then work came to a standstill when the contractor went into liquidation.
New contractors have now taken over the work – and Canon Finlay says he has been told it should be completed before September.
“Fortunately, the delays will not mean a big increase in the cost,” he said.
A church has stood on the site, at Howley, since about 675 but most of the present church dates from the 17th century and is said to bear the marks of cannonballs when it was struck during the siege of Warrington in 1648.
The spire was added in the 19th century.