PLANS to save a historic church in the centre of Devizes by using it for both worship and cultural events have taken a major stop forward.

A meeting held at St Mary's Church attended by conservation bodies, Salisbury Diocese, Wiltshire Council planners and members of the parish last week has given the project new impetus.

But architect George Chedburn told the meeting that the existing pews would be a hindrance to any new uses.

Tony Scorer from the St Mary's Future Group explained that the removal of the pews was necessary. He said: " If we can find a way forward you can be assured that the hard wooden pews will be replaced by something more appropriate for enjoying the performing arts – without having to think about what you are sitting on.

"The general feeling of the meeting was summarised by one attendee with the comment: 'St Mary’s is a huge asset that we need to make use of now, so that it does not become a huge problem in the future.' Fresh impetus was given to the proposed future of St Mary’s as a combined worship and multi-use cultural space for the community."

The meeting was chaired by The Rector, Canon Paul Richardson, which considered the importance of the difference features of the 12 century building.

Mr Scorer said: "The big question was how the necessary facilities should be provided and where they should be accommodated - inside or outside the church.

"The next step will include an appraisal of the options with the pros and cons of any suggested alterations to the building."

Projects to find new uses for St Mary's have been underway for several years but were dealt a major blow three years ago when a planning inspector upheld a Wiltshire Council decision not to allow changes to the building which would have allowed it to become a performance space. Go to stmarydevizestrust.org.uk