A call for works at a historic Pembrokeshire town centre church to make it more accessible has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, The Parochial Church Council of St Mary’s Church, Pembroke, through agent Arnold Bartosch Ltd, is applying for the removal of existing steps with replacement steps and a ramp at the grade-I-listed church.

A supporting statement says the church, heavily restored in the 19th century, “is thought to have been built for Gilbert de Clare, first Earl 1138-48 or his son Richard Strongbow, 1148-76, but is likely to be contemporary with the major building at the castle by William Marshal, first in Pembroke between 1204, and 1219”.

Of the proposed scheme it says: “The current access consists of a sloping pathway and three steps up. The steps deny access to the church for wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility. The proposed arrangement will provide a level platform allowing access for all into the church and churchyard.”

It adds: “The existing access from the churchyard into the West Porch also consists of steps. The proposals will include for the installations of a new landing at the west doorway which will provide access for all into the church.”

The west entranceway was itself listed back in 2005, as grade-II.

The supporting statement adds: “The access should be altered as it currently restricts access for all. The alterations will improve public access of the church whilst retaining the grade-II-listed piers and gates. The alterations will be carried out to a high standard befitting a grade I Listed Church setting and grade-II-listed gates and railings.

“The relocation will involve minimum disruption and no loss of historic fabric. We believe this proposal is acceptable and a reasonable part of the site’s evolution concurrent with modern requirements and can be justified as minimal harm.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

A successful fundraising campaign was held at St Mary’s for the restoration of three church bells and associated works, with a blessing of the bells service and dedication taking place back in May attended by the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, Lord Bishop of St Davids, new mayor of Pembroke Cllr Jonathan Grimes and Mayoress Cllr Deborah Willcocks.

The three new bells dedicated were the Lingard Family Bell, the Rogers Family Bell, and the Morgan Bell.

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