The historic bells at St Dunstan's Church should soon be heard peeling around Cranford again after an eerily quiet summer.

Builders are set to complete restoration work on the stone tower early next month, after which bell-ringers will be able to get back to work.

The tower has been surrounded by scaffolding since the urgently-needed repairs began in July, during which time the bells have been out of bounds to campanologists itching to get back into action.

The ancient stonework of the 13th-century building was in such a state of disrepair that parishioners feared anyone climbing the tower, home to what is reputedly London's oldest ringing bell, could be at risk from falling masonry.

English Heritage funded the majority of the £130,000 cost of restoration, with the rest coming from fundraising events.
Parish treasurer Pat Drinkwater said: "The vestry's coming away from the church, which will cost a devil of a lot more to repair. Unfortunately it's extremely hard to raise money, especially at the moment."

The next fundraising event is the Christmas bazaar, which will be held at Holy Angels Church in Cranford High Street on December 6. Call Pat Drinkwater on 020 8384 0222 to make a donation.