The Archdeacon of Exeter is set to cut the ribbon at Sidmouth Parish Church’s new toilet block on Palm Sunday (March 20).
Building work is nearly complete, the wall has been knocked through and church leaders now just need to pick out the final details. Extra excavation work has seen the cost break the £150,000 barrier, but parishioners and other church users have been very supportive and there have been a number of successful grant applications.
Project leader Philip Hughes said: “It’s nearly completed – we just have the final details like what towel dispensers and baby facilities to include. The stone looks really good. It’s pristine at the moment, but it will soon weather.”
He thanked everyone who supported the project with time and donations. The original quote was £80,000, but the discovery of a 200-year-old burial site and rising building costs have seen the final cost double to around £160,000.
The scheme is aimed not only at St Giles and St Nicholas parishioners, but at anyone who uses the venue for concerts, civic events and ceremonies. Christopher Futcher, the Archdeacon of Exeter, will cut the ribbon next month.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here