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Church spire could need costly repairs
COSTLY repairs are due to get under way at a famous landmark which dominates Jarrow town centre.
Scaffolding is currently wrapped around Christ Church, in Grange Road West, which has loomed over the town since Victorian times.
A survey is being carried out of the church spire, which has been moving in high winds.
The top 12ft of the famous spire may have been damaged in gales last year, and repair costs could run into thousands of pounds.
Jackie Sandford, treasurer at the 140-year-old church, said: "The top 12ft of the spire was replaced in the 1960s, after I believe it suffered bomb damage during the Second World War.
"When we had gales about a year ago, it was noticed that the spire was moving, so the architect is having a look at the state of the structure.
"We should know this week what needs to be done."
Reverend David Osman, priest in charge at Christ Church and St John's Church, Hebburn, and said it is hoped the cost of the work could be covered by insurance and grants.
He said: "We won't really know what needs to be done until the architect has completed a survey of the spire.
"The top half is an integral part of the spire structure, so cannot be looked at separately.
"The work could be costly, possibly as much as a six-figure sum, but we don't know at this stage.
"If there is damage, the liability could lie with the insurers, but we are looking at grants, and the parish will probably have to make a contribution."
Several years ago, repair works were carried out on the Victorian spire after a tree took root in the structure.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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