Rope Access Specialists in Historic Building Conservation

The restoration of the exterior of the Haldon Belvedere was complex for several reasons; not least dealing with the varying weather conditions on a day-to-day basis due to the tower's exposed location. West Access also had to deal with restricted hours when they could work, as the building is a holiday apartment and wedding venue. In some instances construction problems could only be resolved by on-site investigation and subsequently working out a solution with our architect. Guy and John kept us well informed and were happy to work with the Belvedere's manager and the trust's representative on a daily basis. The quality of the work on site showed that their workmen understand the importance of good conservation techniques when working on historic buildings. West Access left the site clean and tidy and ready for weddings, and visitors to the apartment commented that they had enjoyed watching them abseiling past the windows. The contract was completed within the time allocated and within budget; the tower is a testament to their dedication and skill.

West Access offer a friendly and reliable service. They are reasonably priced for the good quality of service they provide. I have used them on a number of occasions and always found them to be helpful, accommodating and knowledgeable. West Access are always quick to respond to rope survey requests, which, due to the nature of the work, often need to be undertaken within a short time period. Once established on site, Guy and John set up a good rapport with the client, providing immediate information on the condition of the fabric they are inspecting, willing to allow those who wish to get on the ropes and look for themselves. I am happy to recommend them to clients looking for rope access specialists to tender for work and all those who've chosen to work with them have been happy with the service provided.

On behalf of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Lapford, I am only too happy to recommend West Access for the excellent standard of workmanship, attention to detail and professional way in which they go about their work. We have used them for two major pieces of restoration work in recent years, and will be only too happy to use them again in the future.

West Access Conservation are helping us with an on-going programme of vegetation removal, repointing and stone repairs to our 15th century Great Banqueting Hall ruins and the Dungeon Tower. We have found them to be knowledgeable when dealing with the historic masonry and the quality of their workmanship shows we can trust them with good conservation practice. As we are open to the public, we have been pleased they understand the importance of keeping the working areas safe, clean and tidy and we have always found them a pleasure to deal with. We would have no hesitation recommending them to carry out similar work on other historic buildings.

All Saints Church South Milton is a grade one listed building, and when it came to employing a company for repairs to our tower we needed a builder used to dealing with such important and sometimes delicate structures. We have used West Access for two major projects over the last few years and have always found them to be sensitive to our needs and most professional in their outlook, keeping us updated at every stage of the build. There is no doubt if we need work in the future we would hope to use them again.

One of the requirements of the quinquennial review is that an external examination of the church tower is made on a regular basis. The cost of doing this using traditional scaffolding was prohibitive, therefore on the advice of our architect, the PCC engaged the services of West Access to prepare a report. This was carried out in 2012 and was an impressive 21-page comprehensive document clearly detailing what needed to be done to preserve the tower for years to come. Acting on this report the PCC had no hesitation in inviting West Access to carry out the remedial work. This consisted of general raking out of joints and re-pointing, securing split masonry, re-glazing a window, reinforcing the metal stays for some of the pinnacles and replacing the oak water-chutes taking water from the tower roof. As chairman of the fabric committee I have been impressed by the efficient and thorough professionalism of the West Access team and would recommend their services unreservedly to any organisation that requires high-level work to be carried out.

Sampford Spiney PCC have engaged West Access to undertake a programme of restoration to the tower of our Grade 1 Listed church. We were attracted by their ability to conduct the work without expensive scaffolding as funds became available. The work has been of a very high standard and completed in an open and co-operative way. Estimates have been promptly produced and work carefully discussed prior to it being undertaken. The approach of Guy Barrett and his team has been very positively commented upon by all who have come into contact with them.

I would highly recommend West Access. They have been efficient in all they have done. The quote was matched by the final bill which was excellent. As a company, they have been available for continual updates on progress and work and have always been courteous and helpful, understanding the needs of a small, poor village church. We, as a PCC, would have no hesitation in recommending them for any works needed.

The cost of installing a downpipe on our church tower using scaffolding would have been astronomical. We contacted West Access who have been absolutely first class in carrying out the work to a high standard, and at a very reasonable price. We have no reservations whatever in recommending them most highly.

Following a Quinquennial Review we were advised that the upper parts of our church tower needed urgent repairs. We invited tenders and West Access was selected and approved by the Diocese. Their skills as steeplejacks avoided the high cost of conventional scaffolding. Guy Barrett and Jon Ingham were extremely helpful and the work was completed on an agreed timetable and at the quoted cost.

We employed West Access to carry out three jobs on our tower, we were all very pleased with the quality of the work and the professional approach.

Fresh from engaging West Access to remount the flagpole at St James to solve a long-standing problem of rainwater ingress, St James PCC were very pleased to see the climbers back on-site to paint some rainwater downpipes around the unique octagonal structure. Given the potential cost and risks associated with erecting scaffolding to paint half a dozen downpipes, the solution of abseiling with a paintbrush proved most effective in terms of time and cost. We were also pleased that some critical repairs were carried out at the same time.

Last year we had a problem with the bell tower gates on St Michael's Church West Hill. West Access were the only company of three that responded with an estimate for the work and the work was done on the day that was quoted and was carried out with great sensitivity to the working life of the church and the account was as per estimate. The work was carried out in a clean and tidy manner, by a very pleasant work force, and we would be happy to ask them to come back to quote for any other high work we were planning to have done.

St Peter's Church, Roborough have no hesitation in recommending Guy and Jon of West Access. Our church tower needed partial repointing to one of its faces and from the time we made contact to the completion of the work we found West Access offered us a professional yet personal service.

St Disen's Church, Bradninch would recommend West Access for their efficient and courteous service with regard to the repairs to the church pinnacle. They managed the work without the use of ground-up scaffolding, which affected the final cost in our favour.