On a mission to save chapel

VISION for the future: group chairman Stuart Coleman, Pat Cliffe, Jo Taylor and Charlotte Coleman

SPIRITED villagers are bidding to take on a local landmark in an attempt to give their community a heart.

Locals in Diggle are launching an ambitious plan to buy the redundant Wrigley Mill Methodist Church.

Their vision is to turn the venue, closed for religious services since last June, into a centre bristling with activity.

Committed residents with Diggle Community Association have already formed the Wrigley Mill Community Action Group in an attempt to save the chapel being converted into homes or offices.

Association chairman Stuart Coleman said: “We would love to put Wrigley Mill back into the heart of the community.

“People have suggested having a cafe there, using it to stage youth-club sessions or maybe having a second-hand shop, as well as hiring it out for events and clubs.”

The team is drawing up a feasibility study and business plan to look for grants to help buy the building.

A plea for help from local professionals and tradespeople has proved fruitful. Plans for remedial works have already been produced.

Stuart added: “It’s not like what has been done in other places, where we can work with the council, this is a private sale and we’ll have to put in a bid.”

Offers of help to dcachairman@googlemail.com or visit www.digglevillage.org.uk  

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