Help revive oldest chapel in the world

APPEAL . . . the simple George Street chapel, the oldest of its kind in the world, waiting to take on a new role

AN Oldham charity has called on local MP and Government minister Phil Woolas for help to convert a historic chapel back to community use.

Age Concern has owned the former George Street Independent Methodist Chapel for four years.

It hoped to turn it into a community cafe and heritage centre, but plans were knocked back when it failed to get £917,000 Heritage Lottery funds.

The two storey building is the oldest Independent Methodist chapel in the world. It was built in 1815, and is Grade Two listed.

It was built by its congregation and incorporated eight cellar dwellings in the basement, for regular income.

After the Lottery decision, trustees also submitted a bid to turn the lower floor into an equipment service and disability living centre.

But chief executive Yvonne Lee said this was also turned down.

She said: “When we were first turned down the Heritage Lottery Fund’s budget had been cut drastically by 80 per cent due to the Olympic Games.

“It also said that Oldham Council was looking to turn the old central library into a heritage centre, and there could not be two centres in the town.

“But ours was a much smaller project.

“We haven’t abandoned the idea and I am having talks with Phil Woolas, and I’ve written to Michael Meacher.

“This is such an important building for Oldham and and if we can get the money we can sustain it with the income from it.”

Mr Woolas met with all the charity’s trustees recently and said: “We need to ask the question of the Heritage Lottery Fund, is there a chance we may get some money.

“If not we have to look for other sources of income.

“The plan is for a community centre cafe, bistro or restaurant and a racial integration hub, where all generations come together.

“The aim is not just to save a fantastic building, but to create a service in the town centre which is not an 18-25 lager palace.”