PARISHIONERS are being asked to have their say on the next stage of the reordering of St Mary’s Church in Thornbury.

Designs for a possible mezzanine floor for the 12th century parish church have gone on display this week. The plans are the second stage in the reordering proposals.

Last month the St Mary’s Parochial Church Council voted not to insert glass panels between the new worship and fellowship areas that leaders hope to create when the Victorian pews are removed.

Church leaders have said the purpose of the reordering is to make the building more accessible for modern needs and it is claimed a mezzanine floor would create new meeting rooms and give the church greater flexibility.

Rev David Primrose, vicar at St Mary’s Church, said: "It’s very exciting and an occasion for us to look at the additional facilities that we hope to have in the reordering of the church.

"We very much value people letting us know their comments before the church council makes its decision."

Options for the mezzanine floor include: Option one, no mezzanine floor just upgrade kitchen and toilet facilities.

Option two, build an additional floor within tower to create second floor tower room.

Option 3A, a mezzanine floor across the north west corner and provide a tower room.

Option 3B, a mezzanine floor across the south west corner, with tower room and improved access to the Parvis room over the porch.

Option 3C and D, similar to design for 3B but the mezzanine floor would take different shapes.

Option 3E, again similar to 3B but the floor would curve to match the shape of the worship area.

Option 3F, a mezzanine floor, which would follow curve design of worship area, across the south west corner. There would be a lift enclosed in glass near to the main entrance, improved access to the Parvis Room, a spiral staircase around the north column and an upgrade of kitchen and toilets.

Ken Miles, a St Mary’s churchgoer, said: "I think the plans make good use of the tower. They will provide so much more varied accommodation.

"The church could be used for meetings and gatherings within the week, not just church on a Sunday."

Plans for the mezzanine floor proposal will be on display at the church until Tuesday, November 25, when the Parochial Church Council will meet and make its decision.

The designs are also available for viewing at www.thornburyparish.org.