English Heritage is to be approached in the search for grant aid, following news that the spire of Ledbury Parish Church is in need of structural repairs.

Malcolm Brothers, Parochial Church Council chairman, said the spire had now been inspected by an engineer and a steeplejack.

He said: "The major problem is not, as we thought, the ingress of water but the condition of the counterweight which holds the top part of the spire and platform beneath it.

"It is not thought to be in danger of falling, but we cannot ignore a matter which might, however remotely, be a safety hazard."

The spire also needs some repointing work and the lightning conductor needs renewing.

Church Lane architect Ian Stainburn has been asked to estimate the likely costs.