Lancashire church to close as it's 'no longer safe to use' and bosses can't afford to repair it
An Accrington Church is set to close.
St Mary Magdalen on the corner of Devonshire Street and Eccles Street will shut as it is no longer considered no longer safe to use.
The Church of England’s Diocese of Blackburn has informed Hyndburn Council of its proposal to cease using the building in the parish of The Good Shepherd as a place of worship.
It says the church roof is infested with dry rot and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) cannot afford to repair it.
But Hyndburn Council’s planning manager Joshua Parkinson has expressed concern to the Diocese about the proposal.
Documents submitted to the authority say: “The Blackburn Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee is considering making recommendations to the Bishop under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011.
“The draft proposal provides for the following: ‘The declaration of closure for public worship of the parish church of Saint Mary Magdalen in the parish of The Good Shepherd in the diocese of Blackburn’.
“Before deciding on its recommendations to the Bishop, the committee is required to ascertain the views of all the interested parties.
“The committee will consider the views of all interested parties before coming to a final decision on what, if any, recommendations it should make to the Bishop.
“The rationale behind the diocesan proposals is as follows.
“An architect report has indicated that the building is no longer safe due to the dangers presented by a dry rot infestation in the roof.
“The PCC do not have the funds for either the investigation or the repairs works required, and the declining congregation numbers means this situation is unlikely to change.
“The PCC have passed a resolution to close the building for public worship, and continue their worship activities in the neighbouring school hall.”
Mr Parkinson has commented to the Diocese: “Saint Mary Magdalen Church is not statutorily listed or within a conservation area.
“However, it clearly has some local heritage interest and contributes positively to the character and appearance of the area.
“While the reasons for its closure are acknowledged, the long‑term sustainable future of the building remains uncertain.
“Without clarity on future use, there is a risk of continued deterioration and potential partial or total loss of the building, which is a significant concern.
“We note that the church currently serves as a community facility as a place of worship and it is reassuring that worship activities will continue in the neighbouring school hall.”
The final decision on the church’s future will be taken by the Bishop of Blackburn the Rt Rev. Philip North.