The House of Lords will make a decision this week as to the liability of a Warwickshire couple to pay for repairs to their parish’s ancient church.
Andrew Wallbank, aged 60, and his wife, Gail, aged 53, could face financial ruin if they fail in the test-case claim brought against them by their local church in the parish of Aston Cantlow. The case is one that could also leave other property owners throughout the country facing the threat of being legally forced to pay for church repairs.
In May last year, the Wallbanks were successful in a Court of Appeal challenge to a decision that, under the provisions of the Chancel Repairs Act 1932, they should pay the £96,000 bill.
However, the law lords allowed the church permission to appeal. The court will give a final ruling on the case on Thursday.
References: PLS News 23/06/03
