PRAYERS have been answered with plans to make it easier for the congregation to attend a place of worship in the city.

An application to instal a disabled access ramp at Dunfermline North Parish Church, on Golfdrum Street, has been approved by Fife Council.

It will be added to the east side of the historic building, which dates back to 1840, and allow people to use the side door.

That will be a blessing for parishioners as a statement from the church explained: "The proposed disabled access ramp is to encourage elderly and disabled people, and their carers, to attend our church for regular Sunday services, weddings and funerals, which currently they cannot.”

A council report said that the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland had objected to the plans due to the "perceived insufficient quality of the proposed ramp" and the proposed position which "would have a detrimental impact on the appearance of the C-listed church".

It was envisaged the metal structure would 'wrap round' to the main door at the front of the building but it was felt that this "would not preserve the historic character" of the church.

The new location means the ramp will be "considerably less visible from the public domain".