Heritage Foundation, Heritage Lottery… this town in Tarn-et-Garonne is trying by all means to save its 13th century church

In the heart of the Nicolaitane commune, around the central Place de la Halle, the bells of the Saint-Victor church resonate regularly. But for how much longer? Because the religious building seems in bad shape. And this has been happening for several decades now.

What the mayor, Bernard Bouché, confirms to us: “The general state of the church has worried us for at least 30 years. Over the past 15 years, we have seen the appearance of large cracks. »

An alarming observation which encourages the town “to seek all possible solutions” to restore the building built in the 13th century, then disappeared during the Wars of Religion, before being rebuilt around 1685.

Nearly 650,000 euros of work to be planned

Thus, the observation of the sanitary state of the building made it possible to identify two major problems: cracks appear above the large arcades and windows, as well as a weakening of all the masonry.

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The subsidence of certain parts of the bell tower, amplified by water infiltration, also contributes to these disorders. The restoration project primarily involves securing the site, diagnosing and bringing the rainwater drainage network into compliance, reinforcing the masonry and glazing and repointing the most damaged parts.

“This represents nearly 650,000 euros of restoration,” announces the Nicolaitan councilor. Before specifying: “Consolidation work will already start at the beginning of December. But we are at least a year late compared to the initial project,” explains Bernard Bouché. Consequence of the State's tight finances for the coming months. But the mayor has not said his last word.

“We must now change our approach”

Coincidentally with the calendar, the elected officials of the municipality have just discussed with the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (Drac) of Occitanie, Wednesday November 27, about the restoration of the Saint-Victor church. Not without improving the situation.

“Because of budgetary constraints, the Drac is reducing its participation in financing (which was up to 40%), announces the mayor with disappointment. We must now change our approach and review our copy. »

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The town hall is calling for donations to restore the Saint-Victor church

For this, the municipality “tries to find patrons” by all possible means. In particular, she has just registered to be selected for the Heritage Loto or with the La Sauvegarde de l'art français foundation.

Without forgetting the call for donations launched by the town hall, this year, with the partnership and support of the Heritage Foundation: “It is progressing slowly (nearly 4,300 euros of collection in progress) but if possible, we do not forget will not stop at the ceiling of 25,000 euros. »

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But will these efforts be sufficient in the future to restore and preserve this centuries-old church? No one knows at the moment.