AMBITIOUS plans to restore one of Southampton's most historic buildings move a step closer today.

Planners are set to discuss a scheme this Tuesday. The plan is to replace railings around Holyrood Church's Chancel and the memorial to the Titanic tragedy which is located in the church.

The new fencing, which has been designed by one of the top craft blacksmiths in the country, will replace rusted iron railings currently used to protect the monument and the church from vandals.

The work will be paid for using funds from a huge £667,000 heritage lottery grant which was awarded to city leisure bosses to restore the church in April this year.

Kevin White, Southampton City Council's heritage conservation manager, said: "We have a number of structural difficulties with the church and work needs to be carried out.

"One of the problems we have is how to present the church to the public and its interpretation."

He added that the current railings had become rusty, allowing easy access for youngsters who used the railings as a "ladder" to get into the church's chancel.

He said: "Security is a big issue for us because although the gates are locked overnight it is very easy for people to jump over the perimeter fence. The current screens are basically ladders and they are very easy to climb."

A total of £730,000 has been earmarked by heritage bosses in the city to restore the church, which was devastated by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. As well as the heritage lottery cash, cash to pay for the project will come from English Heritage and the city's Merchant Navy Association as well as the City Council.

Restoration work will include repairs to the tower and chancel as well as a new lighting scheme to make the church an eye-catching landmark at night.

The 13th-century building was originally on a site further up the street. It was moved to its present position in 1320 as it was considered a hazard to medieval traffic.

It is said the Crusaders prayed at the site during the 14th century before heading off to war - as did the armies of Henry V before embarking for the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.