A community has launched a fight to save a ‘valuable’ chapel.
Fifty people from Bolster Moor and members of the Bolster Moor Community Association came together at a meeting to discuss if they could bring Bolster Moor Chapel and its land into community ownership after it was placed up for sale by Walker Singleton last month.
The Bolster Moor Road site, which is currently owned by the Baptist Association, is home to the Bolster Moor Toddler & Playgroup and a playground and acts as ‘the centre’ of the Bolster Moor community.
Fears for the future of the chapel and land were first raised in 2013 when its preacher decided to step down but it was decided that the playgroup could continue to rent the space.
Di Mayo, a Community Association member, said: “The community has a very strong feeling that the church and playground should stay within the community use.
“Bolster Moor is a very small community and the playground and church are the centre of it.
“I started the playgroup nearly 40 years ago and it’s still thriving.
“It is a valuable amenity and it would be absolutely brilliant to turn it into a community centre.”
The group hopes to put in a bid to turn the building into a community asset.
Di said: “We are trying to raise enough money so that the community can put in a bid for the chapel and land to keep it for the use of the community.
“If there are any businesses or private investors who would like to help by donating to our cause please get in touch.”
Steve Wing, operations manager of the Baptist Association, said the organisation had no choice but to place the building up for sale.
He said: “There’s a legal requirement for us to dispose of a chapel and use the assets to support our association when it is no longer being used for worship.”
Jonathan O’Connor of Walker Singleton said that the property has already had a lot of interest since it went on sale.
If anyone would like to donate to the community’s cause, contact Di Mayo on 07815814141 or at dmoatdykeend@btinternet.com or Andi Butler on 07980179457 or at a.butler150@btinternet.com .
