Fence plan for church blighted by drugs and faeces

St Mary's Church in Shrewsbury has applied to install railings to prevent anti-social behaviour

A steel fence could be erected at a 12th-Century church to combat issues around drug-taking, defecation and littering.

The railings and gate would be installed at the top of some steps on the northern side of the Grade I-listed St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury.

The steps go down four feet to the door of a subterranean boiler room, and church officials said the spot had been blighted by anti-social behaviour.

According to a planning application submitted to Shropshire Council by owners The Churches Conservation Trust, staff have often cleaned up needles, condoms and excrement.

People have also tried to light fires against the gas meter cupboard doors at the bottom of the steps, the trust added.

Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, Robert Milton, from the Churches Conservation Trust, said it was easy for people to remain “tucked out of sight” at the spot.

He said this meant the area had become popular for people taking or dealing drugs and has led to some “using that side of the church as a toilet”.

“I think this is just unacceptable… towards not only members of staff but visitors in turn,” he said.

'Totally unacceptable'

Mr Milton said the railings would mirror an original railing that was put in place around the church in the 18th century, before it was removed in 1939.

He added: “It could be seen as extreme but to be perfectly honest, we’re hoping people can understand that this is a problem that has to be dealt with.”

Church members had tried to reach out to the individuals involved, including by putting up notices to direct them to help and health services available in the town.

“But the fact people are carrying on with this sort of attitude and misuse is just totally unacceptable to ourselves and other individuals,” Mr Milton said.