NEW chairs, underfloor heating and a digital organ are just some of the benefits that people could soon be enjoying at St Michael’s Church if proposed refurbishment work is given the go-ahead.

Plans have been proposed to update the church in Highworth, which include replacing the pews in the 13th century building with chairs and levelling out the floor.

The proposals, which are expected to cost between £500,000 and £1m, have yet to be given permission but it is hoped that work could start at the end of next year.

Rev Geoff Sowden said: “This is one of the biggest indoor spaces in Highworth. The more flexible the space is the more likely you are to be able to use it seven days a week. It is a resource for the community and it is a resource for the church.

“In 1860 I think what was really important was it was a word based society and there was a big pulpit and pews. Today we’re a visual society.

“People today want the visual side and they want to take part. Culture has changed and that building is fine for 1864 when they sat there and listened to the sermon.

“Today they want to participate and we just need to adapt for that. Some people feel we are changing the heritage but these pews have only been here for the last 150 years. Remove the pews and it is back to what it originally looked like 500 years ago.”

The proposals, which have been put together by the church’s Big Picture group and an architect, also include new meeting rooms and a new kitchen.

They are planning to pay for the work through grants, interest from their endowment and fundraising by the community.

The group is still deciding whether to replace the old organ, which needs expensive repairs, with a digital equivalent.

Several meetings and an open day have been held and feedback on the plans is welcome.

Stephen Fasham, a member of the Big Picture group, said: “The general feeling is positive. I think the access changes like levelling the floor and comfort changes are pretty much universally agreed.

“Changing the seating is the biggest controversy because people see the pews as being a traditional part of the church.

“There is generally support for some of the other amenities like the meeting room. We’re talking about potentially putting a room in the tower.

“People say we don’t want the church to become a commmunity centre. Our feeling is the changes won’t do that. It will still be a church.

“It will still be a sacred place and we want to preserve that.”

To comment on the plans email bigpicture.stmichaels@hotmail.co.uk