St Mary’s Churchyard – West Gate Return maintenance works scheduled September 2026

Saltford Parish Council is responsible for the safety maintenance of the closed churchyard at St Mary’s Church, including the historic boundary walls and the costs associated with their repair and upkeep.

Upcoming works

On Monday 28 September, maintenance works will begin at the west gate return, located near the main entrance to the churchyard.

The works are expected to be completed within one week. However, please note that the start date and schedule may be subject to change if weather conditions are unsuitable.

Saltford Parish Council recognises the historical and personal significance of St Mary’s Churchyard and wishes to reassure residents and visitors that all works will be carried out with appropriate care and respect for the site.

West Gate Return photo showing the section of wall to be maintained from the path to the church and churchyard

Photo above shows the west gate return showing the section of wall (to the left of the image) to be maintained, as viewed from by the gate (at the end of the path to the church and churchyard).

Photo shows the west gate return as viewed from inside the churchyard

Photo above shows the small section of wall referred to as the ‘west gate return’ as viewed from inside the churchyard.

Temporary relocation of memorial items

To allow the stonemason safe and clear access to the work area, St Mary’s Church will carefully manage the temporary relocation of any grave markers and memorial items affected by the works.

The Church will either contact the owners of affected items in advance, or else any grave markers or personal memorial items that need to be moved will be carefully relocated by the Church and then returned to their original positions once the works have been completed.

Those who have personal items such as flowers, vases or other tributes near the west gate return may wish to remove them temporarily before the works begin and replace them afterwards. However, grave markers should remain in place and will be managed by the Church where necessary.

The Parish Council has also been in contact with the Churchwarden regarding flowers planted within the work area.

The Parish Council has worked with St Mary’s Church in planning these arrangements and would like to thank the Church for its support in facilitating the project, alongside securing the appropriate permissions from the Diocese.

Information for residents and visitors

Notices have been displayed within the churchyard by the west gate return to inform residents and visitors about the upcoming works.

SPC has also shared information via its social media, and on its noticeboard.

For information about maintenance works already completed this year, please see our article: “St Mary’s Churchyard – Planned Wall Maintenance Works Starting Late April 2026.”

Sign advising of wall works for those visiting the churchyard

Above and below: Signs advising of wall works for those visiting the churchyard, displayed adjacent to the west gate return

Signs at the churchyard

Funding and responsibilities

Saltford Parish Council funds the maintenance requirements of St Mary’s Churchyard through the parish precept. The majority of the Council’s income is raised through the precept, which is paid by all residents as part of their Council Tax bill and collected by Bath & North East Somerset Council, the billing authority for Saltford.

Spend to maintain the west gate return was resolved at SPC’s June 2026 meeting (Item 15.ii). The decision was
made – pending Church permissions – for health and safety reasons, and to prevent further deterioration and the likelihood of a more significant repair being required.

Churchyard monuments and markers, including headstones and grave memorials, are privately owned. Responsibility for their maintenance, repair and condition rests with their owners and not with Saltford Parish Council.

Further information

If you have any questions about the works, please contact Saltford Parish Council using the details on our Contact Us page.

Please note that the Clerk works part-time and there is no cover Clerk during periods of annual leave. As a result, responses may occasionally take longer than usual.

St Mary’s Church / the Church of England owns the churchyard where maintenance works are taking place. To contact the office at St Mary’s Church, Saltford, please view their website at https://www.scnbenefice.org.uk/stmix.html

Saltford Parish Council thanks those at St Mary’s Church for their support with regards to the wall works.