A PUNK, a businessman and a farmer stare down on the streets of Cirencester following the renovation of the town's historic wool church.

With its four 20ft pinnacles newly restored at a cost of £110,000 and the flag of St George blowing in the wind, Cirencester Parish Church is once again dominating views around the town.

This week the Standard was invited up the tower to see the new pinnacles after the scaffolding was finally taken down last month.

The worn gargoyles have been replaced by craftsmen and designers who have fashioned modern representations of See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil.

The theme was developed into three individuals to represent different segments of modern Cirencester society, an agricultural figure representing the farming community, a suited man for the business world and a punk for 'the street'.

Roy Archer, of the Friends of Cirencester Parish Church, said: "The church tower has now been renovated with considerable care and expense to ensure the town will have a magnificent centrepiece not only for now, but for the rest of the century.

"The worn gargoyles have been replaced and their appearance is comic yet remains within the church tradition.

"Finance for this excellent example of stone carving was made available by the Friends, who feel the money will attract more visitors to our beautiful town and so provide increased business for local traders."

But the work on the tower is only the start of a programme of restoration work to return the church to its former glory, a major component of which will be the renovation of the unique and grand South Porch, which is slowly crumbling away.

Mr Archer said: "When people come to Cirencester the first thing people notice is that great South Porch - that's why we must try and improve its appearance."

Churchwarden Martin Hockey said the first of this year's open days at the church will be on Saturday, May 19 at 10am when people will have the chance to see the pinnacles firsthand and the plans for the future of the church.

He said: "The work on the tower became urgent because there was some quite serious deterioration.

"It's about bringing the church up to good order and we're delighted with the work."