Steeplejacks inspecting the spire found disintegrating stonework and failing metal joints which needed to be replaced. Small pieces of falling masonry were a potential danger and the area around the foot of the bell tower was cordoned off.

The pinnacle on the very top, which was replaced during the refurbishment of the church in the 1980s, was in good condition, but the Kentish rag stone supporting it dates back to 1848, when the church was originally built.

Repairs were required to over 240 stones, together with the installation of new corbels requiring 28 large stones and over 50 smaller ones.