CONCERNS have been sparked over plans to build a toilet and servery in the aisle of St George’s Church in Dunster.

An on-line petition against proposed alterations to the 600-year-old building has gathered 61 signatures.

The parochial church council has said the project is designed to ‘promote its future worship, mission and ministry’.

But if the development goes ahead, between 40 and 100 seats could be lost and the font would have to be moved.

Campaigners claim more suitable locations exist for the facilities to be built, such as the church’s memorial garden.

Jim Parham, who set up the petition, was born in Dunster and his parents were closely involved with the church.

He said: “I am not against a toilet in the vicinity of the church but we believe the aisle is totally the wrong place to put it – a memorial garden outside which could be used instead.

“The main objection is that it will destroy the architectural beauty of the aisle and to me it is not right to put a toilet in the aisle of a religious building.

"I can’t find anybody who thinks it’s a good idea. It doesn’t make any sense at all. I am horrified by the proposals.

“The church is an integral part of Dunster and something of this magnitude should have been brought out for greater discussion in the village before now.”

The Venerable John Reed, Archdeacon of Taunton, will be at a meeting at the church to discuss the proposals this evening (November 9) at 6pm which anyone on the electoral roll may attend.

As part of the ongoing consultation process, people are invited to send their comments to The Diocesan Registrar, 14 Market Place, Wells BA5 2RE or e-mail tim.berry@harris-harris.co.uk by November 22.

To view the on-line petition, type ‘change.org dunster church’ into a search engine.