Norfolk’s tallest church will be closed for almost three months so a massive project to install new lighting and an air-distribution system can go ahead.
The 14th Century Church of St Peter and St Paul, in Cromer, will be off limits to worshippers from January 2 to March 22 during the works.
The project is aimed at making the services and events more comfortable and will transform the parish church into a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective building.
Scaffolding will scale the heights of the church’s cavernous nave and chancel so destratification fans can be installed, allowing warm air that collects at the top to be pushed back down to ground level.
Ivan Kimble, one of the church’s two churchwardens, said: “The destratification system will help keep the building warmer in winter and reduce heating costs.
“Medieval church buildings have a reputation for being chilly, but we’re looking forward to providing a really warm welcome to regulars and visitors alike in time for Easter next year.”
During the works church services will take place at the town’s parish hall in Garden Street.
The Carbon Trust estimates that the use of destratification fans in high-ceiling buildings such as churches and warehouses can reduce energy consumption by up to 20pc, and carbon dioxide emissions by between 20pc and 50pc.
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The church’s present lighting system is obsolete, and the replacement lamps and equipment are no longer available. The upgrade is to LED lighting.
The improvements are part of a programme aimed at updating the space inside the church. In June this year digital screens were installed on pillars to improve the visibility of words and pictures displayed during services and other events.
The church’s tower soars 160ft into the sky - the highest in Norfolk.
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