New entrance underway for Fakenham Church

St Peter and St Paul's church in Fakenham has announced that work has started on improvements to its entrance doors to improve accessibility.

The project will help make the building more accessible with the installation of an automatic glass door to replace the existing heavy wooden door, and the building of a purpose-built ramp and steps. The glass door will feature a design commissioned by Norfolk artist Teucer Wilson. The back three rows of pews will be removed to open up space, and the floor will be levelled to make it safer for everyone, especially those with prams or wheelchairs.
 
Reverend Tracy Jessop, above, explained that there was a long-held aspiration for many people in the church to make the building much more accessible, and therefore more welcoming, and create more of a community space. She pointed out that the church building needed to be used by a lot more people, and that it was not just for Sundays.
 
The church is fundraising £125,000 to match fund a legacy left by Doug Flegg. Funds were boosted by the recent successful Christmas Tree Festival – read about this here.
 
For now, the church can only be accessed through the north door which is sign-posted. The building currently has no heating so anyone going is advised to wrap up warm.
 
The work will be carried out by Norfolk-based firm, King & Company - plans are on display at the church. The first of the three stages is scheduled to take nine weeks. The church has promised to provide regular updates on their social media channel to keep everyone informed.
 
This story is based on an article in the North Norfolk News.
 
The picture of Rev Tracey Jessop above is courtesy of Keith Osborn - www.keithosbornphotography.co.uk .

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