Work continues at St Andrew’s Church

STONEMASONS have been spotted scaling a spire in Barnsbury, but church-goers are calling for more funding so they can finish their work.

The spire on St Andrew’s Church in Barnsbury dates back to 1854 and is one of only two in the whole of Islington.

Work began several months ago to make the spire safe, but donations are necessary for a full restoration.

Church warden Lis Howell said: “The stonemasons are fantastic, they really are, people just stop in their tracks to watch them.”

She added: “They’ve been working on it for a few months on and off, to make it safe. There’s netting around it now, but it will cost £1million to fully restore it.

“We’re hoping to get £600,000 in grants, but there will still be more to make up.

“The spire is iconic in the neighbourhood, so it’s worth protecting”.

Luke Stone, one of the stonemasons working on the spire for Stone Technical Services, said: “We have extensive experience in stonework repairs and have been working on the spire at
St Andrew’s since 2019, keeping it safe.

“It is a beautiful and historic landmark. We fully support the church’s campaign to raise funds – this spire could be fully restored to its former glory.”

Reverend Caroline Titley, Rector of Barnsbury Parish, added: “We know the spire and tower are well-loved local landmarks and now we hope for donations to help save them.”