Repairs to bring bell-ringing back to village

A crumbling church spire in the Vale of Belvoir that halted bell‑ringing over safety concerns is now set to be repaired.

The Grade I-listed St Denys Church in Eaton, Leicestershire, is on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

The church, which dates to "at least" the 1100s, had been forced to stop using its rare ironstone spire, leaving the future of the entire building uncertain.

But volunteers at the church have now secured a £24,515 grant from the National Churches Trust towards repairs.

The team behind the application said the award was a "positive first step" to having the church removed from the Heritage At Risk Register and building a sustainable future.

Reverend Susan Bradley, project co-lead and treasurer, said: "Once the work is completed, the bells can ring again, without the risk of destabilising the pinnacles, which have been especially eroded over time.

"The project has drawn the people of Eaton village together, and inspired groups to pursue smaller projects related to swifts, bats, wildflowers, heritage and history.

"It is a wonderful example of how the life of a small village church can impact its local community and act as a focus for all sorts of exciting developments."

While the church has 12th Century origins, much of St Denys today is 13th Century with 15th Century alterations.

About 300 eroded stones are set to be replaced in the tower, which is home to a peal of six bells, while three of the pinnacles will be restored.

Stonework will also be repointed, while an accessible toilet, with baby-changing facilities, will also be installed at the church.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said it was "delighted" to support St Denys.

 "Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people."

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