"Something needs to be done" - Dismay after parishoners are told St John's Church in Cleckheaton will not re-open
A public meeting will be held in Cleckheaton later this month on the future of St John's Church.
The church has been closed since February and parishoners have been told it will cost more than £500,000 to fix its roof and building, and that it is not economically viable to repair.
At a meeting last month, attended by around 100 people, concerned members of the community were dismayed to be told the only option was to close the church permanently rather than explore any fundraising ideas or possible donations.
Lesley Kilbey, who has had various links to the church since 1972 and was at the meeting, said: "I think most people at that meeting were shocked that the Parochial Church Council had waited eight months before speaking to members of the public, when it is almost too late to do anything to ensure that the church can re-open as a parish church.
"Surely this can't be right?
"Cleckheaton now has two grade two listed derelict buildings - the town hall and the Parish Church - of which most Cleckheaton people will have so many memories.
"This is an absolute travesty.
"We were told that churches that are over 100 years old are considered to be past their use by date if major repairs are needed, which is a dangerous precedent when over 90 per cent of Church of England churches are over 100 years old.
"Something needs to be done."
The next meeting has been arranged for 7pm on Thursday, November 19 at Howard Park School in Cleckheaton.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Leeds said: "The incredibly difficult decision for a church to ask for a building closure is always made by people in that church, with the diocese supporting all parishes in this position.
"Diocesan officers have supported the parish in holding a public meeting at an early stage of this process to explain the situation to the community, and what the next steps are.
"A public consultation for all interested parties will follow in 2027. The diocese agrees with the church and the community that issues of vandalism are unacceptable, and should be reported to the police if noticed.”