Removal of ‘Nuisance’ Church Ramp Completed in Cornwall

An improvised ramp located at a church in Cornwall, which highways authorities had labeled a “nuisance,” has been taken down. At St Bartholomew’s Church in Lostwithiel, railway sleepers had been installed over three decades ago by a “gentleman from the village.” This installation facilitated entry for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and wheel biers used for transporting coffins. Public discontent arose after Cornwall Highways stated in a written communication that the ramp was regarded as “a significant obstruction to highway users” and mandated its dismantling. Personnel from Cormac, a council contractor, have taken down the ramp. Additionally, they performed modifications to “lower the footway kerbs to make it easier for highway users to access the footway, but… also benefit access to and from the church,” according to statements from officials. During July, elderly individuals, especially those utilizing mobility scooters and walking frames, demonstrated at the church, also referred to as St Bart’s, concerning the ramp’s impending removal. A letter reviewed by the BBC indicated that Cornwall Council possessed “the power to remove objects from the highway which are causing an obstruction or nuisance and to recover any expenses incurred.” Simon Brewer, captain of the bell ringers at St Bart’s and a mobility scooter user, commented at that point, “I think it’s too silly for words.” Subsequently, Cormac conducted excavation work in front of the church step and dismantled the ramp. Operations were briefly halted when unexpected features were uncovered beneath the road surface. Cormac issued a statement: “A small number of cobbles were identified during the excavation works… but they are not thought to be part of an historic feature.” The statement added, “However, the cobbles have been removed to store for safe keeping.” The project has now concluded, and the pavement has been reconfigured with an angle to facilitate access for mobility scooters and wheelchairs to St Bart’s. The Reverend Sheila Bawden remarked: “We’ve got the wonderful team from Cormac who put a beautiful ramp in for us; they’ve lowered the kerb, they’ve resurfaced it. “It’s wonderful, everybody has got access to the church. “I can even use my skateboard coming out on this now.” For updates, follow BBC Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.