National Charity opposes church closure

The Victorian Society are strongly opposing moves to close the Grade-ll listed building as it is concerned that the application has been prompted by an offer to buy the site from the Church of England and redevelop it for health and community use.

The local Primary Care Trust is in discussion with the parish about using the church site to build a polyclinic and a small chapel would be included in the scheme.

Hloise Brown, Conservation Advisor for the Victorian Society said: "Under these outline plans St Barnabas will be demolished. Closing the building is a drastic move to make before any plans for the site have been fully drawn up, let alone agreed upon. While its future is debated it must remain open for worship; only vandals and thieves will benefit if a church like this one sits empty and unused."

She added: "Any application to demolish it will be fiercely opposed."

The original church was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield in 1891. Then, in 1939, following the style of Blomfield's church, a large south aisle (where the congregation currently worships) was added.

The church is still in good condition, despite suffering a suspected arson attack four years ago which caused damage to the roof.

Many of it's original features survived the blaze and the buildings listing means it is considered to be of national importance.

The church's recent troubled past has also included the resignation of the former vicar, Colin Pritchard two years ago. He was subsequently charged and imprisoned for sex crimes involving children.

Hloise said: "After two years without a vicar, a new parish priest has just been appointed to St Barnabas. In the interests of the future of this historic church the Victorian Society believes the congregation of St Barnabas must be allowed to continue to worship there."

The new parish priest, Reverend Dr Roger Crosthwaite, who was appointed last month, said he believes there is, "huge potential to grow the congregation."

The Victorian Society is the national charity campaigning for the Victorian and Edwardian historic environment.

It 'fights to preserve important Victorian and Edwardian buildings and landscapes so that they can be enjoyed by this and future generations.'

For more information on the Victorian Society visit the website at: www.victoriansociety.org.uk