CIVIC chiefs are studying plans to help people with mobility issues by installing an automatic barrier in the car park at Southampton's mother church.
Members of the Grade II-listed St Mary's Church are seeking consent to replace the existing barrier, which comprises two metal poles linked by a padlocked chain.
Everyone entering or leaving the car park has to unlock the chain - and then lock it again as soon as they have driven through.
The application says a barrier is needed to prevent parking bays at the church used by shoppers and football fans.
If the scheme is given the go-ahead part of the new structure will be painted dark green to blend in with the surrounding foliage.
The arm will boast red and stripes to make motorists aware of its presence as it automatically lifts and descends.
The application says an automatic barrier with keypad/card entry would make the car park more accessible, especially for visitors with restricted mobility.
Famous for its 200ft spire, St Mary’s can trace its origins back to the Saxon settlements of the 7th century.
The existing church is the sixth on the site and had to be rebuilt after the Second World War, when it was badly damaged by incendiary bombs.
Plans to replace the barrier are outlined in a public notice published by Southampton City Council, which will decide the application.
Other public notices: Southampton City Council is closing part of Hartington Road from June 13 to enable a telecoms pole to be replaced. The works are due to be completed by June 16.
Southampton City Council is closing Chapel Road between its junctions with The Compass and Nelson Street from June 4 (9m-6am) to allow a rail inspection. The works are due to be completed by June 6.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here