Save Jersey’s Heritage have been opposing proposals to create toilets and improve disabled access to the north of the church for more than three years.
During that time the project has received backing from the parish and the Church of England in Jersey as well as getting planning approval.
On Sunday, less than a week after work began, St Lawrence Constable Deidre Mezbourian and the Rector of St Lawrence, the Rev Phil Warren, issued a joint statement saying the project had now been suspended.
‘We believe that the Constable has realised that there is much greater concern in St Lawrence than anyone imagined,’ Save Jersey’s Heritage chairman Marcus Binney said.
The group hopes that their own scheme, which would see the facilities housed inside the church rather than in an extension, will win favour with parishioners.
‘It has always been our aim to highlight the damage the approved scheme will do to the west front of the church, particularly the ancient cannon door. At last the message seems to have got through. What is important now is that parishioners be allowed to have their say on both schemes,’ he added. Mrs Mezbourian did not want to comment until she had been able to discuss the matter with parish officials and set a date for a parish assembly.
Mr Warren says they took the decision to suspend the works because of the growing controversy surrounding the project.
‘Even though the process has been followed correctly, all the permissions are in place and work has begun, both myself and the Constable have decided to suspend the work and hold a parish assembly to provide the opportunity for all parishioners to vote on whether the work should continue or not,’ he said.
‘As rector, I serve the whole parish and as such want the very best for the church and parish. By holding a parish meeting parishioners will be able to hear about the work to date and then make a decision which will determine the outcome.’
