West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has congratulated local people for helping to raise more than £100,000 to carry out urgent repair work in the historic bell tower. And the MP took a trip up Great Malvern Priory bell tower to inspect the bells and the housing which needs urgent repair work. The bells have been rung in Malvern since 1350 but the current wooden frame needs work to improve the support for the historic bells and prevent the whole tower from swinging as the bells are rung. The appeal aims to raise £200,000 to complete the work and a special advent peal was rung on November 30 to celebrate reaching the fund halfway point. Harriett commented: “I was pleased to be invited to into the tower to see the frame close up. Although the Victorian frame was well built, it is time to bring some 21st century improvements to our historic bell tower. “The Priory is one of the finest architectural treasures in the country and thousands of people visit each year. I am delighted to offer my support to the fund raising efforts and I hope that the target is reached very soon.”