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Pic: CorinMesser/BNPS
Pictured: Parishioners, including Dolly the dog, gather to protest in the church grounds.
A decision to remove the pews inside a 700-year-old church in case obese couples struggle to walk down the narrow aisle has been met with outrage among parishioners.
The 32 Victorian pews have been put up for sale for £200 each as part of alterations to the inside of Grade II listed St Andrew's Church in the Dorset village of Okeford Fitzpaine.
The wooden seats that are fastened to the floor will be replaced with modern chairs that can be easily moved to create space when necessary.
The church authorities state this will make it easier for disabled people and wheelchair users to access the nave as well as allow the congregation to socially distance.
But they also say that getting rid of the 16 rows of pews would remove a potential 'embarrassment' involving overweight brides and grooms squeezing down the aisle.
Pic: CorinMesser/BNPS
Pictured: Parishioners, including Dolly the dog, gather to protest in the church grounds.
A decision to remove the pews inside a 700-year-old church in case obese couples struggle to walk down the narrow aisle has been met with outrage among parishioners.
The 32 Victorian pews have been put up for sale for £200 each as part of alterations to the inside of Grade II listed St Andrew's Church in the Dorset village of Okeford Fitzpaine.
The wooden seats that are fastened to the floor will be replaced with modern chairs that can be easily moved to create space when necessary.
The church authorities state this will make it easier for disabled people and wheelchair users to access the nave as well as allow the congregation to socially distance.
But they also say that getting rid of the 16 rows of pews would remove a potential 'embarrassment' involving overweight brides and grooms squeezing down the aisle.
©BNPS 31 Jul 2020 5472x3648 / 4.5MB