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New lease of life for church
Community could benefit
By Cathy Neligan
A CHURCH in Hebden Bridge could soon be used in new ways for the community.
The Historic Chapels Trust took over responsibility for Wainsgate Baptist Church and its ancillary buildings in 2004 after declining congregation numbers meant the church had to close.
Now the trust is trying to identify suitable community uses for the former school rooms next to the church, to help draw new life into the building and pay for its future upkeep.
Deputy director of the trust, Steve Pilcher, said: "We want people to get in touch and let us know their ideas of how the buildings can be used.
"We hope to arrange a public meeting at the end of October or early November."
At the moment a nursery school uses the space and a local music group, Gong Fusion, rehearses there.
The Historic Chapels Trust was formed in 1993 to take on redundant churches and chapels of outstanding quality in England.
It has already carried out some emergency repairs at Wainsgate. It now wants to look into the feasibility of undertaking the repair, conservation and upgrading of the church and former school rooms.
The main worship space will be conserved and restored but community uses for the remainder of the building need to be found.
The church stands on Wadsworth Moor, above Hebden Bridge. The building dates from 1859-60, and the school was adapted from the former manse in 1890.
Wadsworth parish councillor Mavis Ring said the church had problems but was a beautiful building.
She said: "The position is its worst enemy. There is an unmade lane just wide enough for one vehicle. It is entirely in the wrong place for it to be popular, and the whole thing is surrounded by a huge churchyard, so there are big things against it.
"But, if treated sympathetically, as I'm sure it would be, there is a lot of available space, and it is a wonderful building."
Groups or individuals who want to be part of the project should contact the trust on 0207 481 0533 or e-mail chapels@hct.org.uk.
cathy.neligan@halifaxcourier.co.uk
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