THE cost of renovating one of Ilkley’s church spires has spiralled after stonework was found to be dangerous.

Work on the towering feature of Christchurch on The Grove has been suspended while repairs are reviewed and new stone is cut.

The original estimate for the renovations to the church, which was built in 1868, was £8,000 on the basis that stone did not need to be replaced.

But repairs will now include new stone, re-bedding finials and sections of the pinnacles, and stainless steel dowels to hold them in place.

In a statement, Christchurch’s property steward for buildings, Iain Thake, said: “The finials and pinnacles were found to be in a much more dangerous state than anticipated and have been partly dismantled. Unfortunately, the final cost is likely to be more than double the original estimate, owing to the need to supply, carve and fix matching stone.”

Scaffolding is likely to remain in place until after Christmas, he added.