A conservation group has hit back at critics after locals complained about its actions at a historic Norfolk church that left it without a floor for nearly two decades.

The Grade I listed St Andrews Church in Walpole has been left unusable after emergency work was carried out without planning permission by the Churches Conservation Trust in 2007.

The 19th century flooring was removed to investigate damp issues which were causing "significant damage" to the stone columns. 

Eastern Daily Press: Inside the 15th century church in Walpole, which has suffered erosion caused by dampInside the 15th century church in Walpole, which has suffered erosion caused by damp (Image: WNC)

But the lengthy wait for it to be replaced has left villagers angry, with some complaining it should not have been carried out in the first place without a long-term plan.

It has left locals unable to use the building for community events for 17 years.

Last month, the charity, which protects 357 church buildings in England, was granted permission by West Norfolk Council to replace the floor and was told to start the work within one year.  

READ MORE: Row over mega farm plans in village ramps up as Liz Truss intervenes

Eastern Daily Press: The columns have been damaged by moistureThe columns have been damaged by moisture (Image: WNC)

Gabriella Misuriello, head of conservation, has defended the group's actions.

She said: "As a national conservation charity, we take great care in the upkeep and repair of our churches.

"The floor at St Andrew’s was taken up to undertake investigative conservation work which aimed to determine the causes of the columns’ erosion.

READ MORE: Developer launches appeal after village shop and flats plans are blocked

Eastern Daily Press: Parts of the floor were removed in 2007 for investigations into the cause of the rising dampParts of the floor were removed in 2007 for investigations into the cause of the rising damp (Image: WNC)

"Additional repairs are planned for the roof, external render, and for additional investigative work to monitor the levels of salt in the stonework.

"We are working with the architect and conservation specialists to have this work completed in due course."

A HANDSOME OLD CHURCH"

Built in the 15th century on top of an older Roman and Medieval site, the Churches Conservation Trust describe St Andrews as "worn but handsome".

While an impressive structure, it is in the shadow of the more impressive St Peter, which is known as the 'cathedral of the Fens'.

Eastern Daily Press: St Peter's Church in Walpole is known as the 'Cathedral of the Fens'St Peter's Church in Walpole is known as the 'Cathedral of the Fens' (Image: Chris Bishop)

The church was made redundant by 2005 and it had fallen into a state of disrepair, with its stone chancel and columns becoming heavily eroded by damp.