Consultation on closure of Littlehampton church due to its 'very poor condition'

No services have been held at St James the Great Church, in East Ham Road, since it was united with St Mary's Church, in Church Street, in 2020.

But the church is currently home to Littlehampton Community Fridge, which has a lease until the end of the year.

The Bishop of Chichester, the Right Rev Dr Martin Warner, has asked the Church Commissioners to prepare a draft Pastoral Scheme providing for the church of St James to be declared closed for regular public worship.

Dr Warner, on the advice of his Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee, told the Commissioners: "The parishes of Littlehampton, Saint Mary and Littlehampton, Saint James were united to form the single parish of Littlehampton, Saint Mary and Saint James in 2020.

"Under the same scheme, the church of St Mary was named the parish church and the church of St James became a chapel of ease. Since that time, no services have been held at St James’s church.

"It has become clear that the fabric of both the church and the adjoining hall is in very poor condition and major investment would be needed to bring both buildings into a good state of repair.

"Following discussion with the PCC, the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee has agreed to take forward proposals for the closure of Littlehampton St James. Closure would enable the parish to focus on maintaining a single church building (St Mary’s) and would free up energy and funds for mission and outreach."

Copies of the draft Pastoral Scheme can be inspected at the church, at Littlehampton Town Council or online at www.churchofengland.org/consultation

Representations should be made in writing by post to Shaman Durrant, Church Commissioners, Church House, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3AZ or, preferably, by email to [email protected] to reach her by Monday, July 14.

If there are no representations against the draft scheme, the Commissioners will make the scheme and arrange for it to be brought into effect.

This would have the effect of closing St James’s for regular public worship and vesting it in the Chichester Diocesan Board of Finance for care and maintenance pending a decision on its future.