Rescue plan for chapels

Mar 5 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A RESCUE plan has been drawn up to save Batley’s historic Twin Chapels.

The future of the buildings was thrown into doubt when a group called Environment Concern went into administration last month because of money problems.

But a group of local people, led by historian Malcolm Haigh, has stepped in to buy the assets from the administrator.

They are finalising a lease with Kirklees Council for the chapels and lodge in Batley Cemetery.

They hope to reopen the buildings this week for community activities, including a cafe, Dewsbury College classes and computer teaching for older people.

Mr Haigh was coordinator of the Batley Cemetery Support Group, which worked with Environment Concern to restore the badly vandalised chapels 10 years ago.

He said the new rescue group had given the Twin Chapels a promising future.

He added: “Such is their passion and enthusiasm for the project that they have financed the start-up work and offered to work on a largely voluntary basis to make the venture a success.

“They are a real inspiration.”

The Twin Chapels will initially open Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm.

The Twin Chapels Centre Team is inviting businesses to sponsor the new centre.

To book the venue or volunteer to help call 01924 420555 or 01924 479824.