Fears as Church is seeking to end worship at 'unviable' village chapel

Row as parish council rejects claims of dwindling Methodist congregation

- Kerry Ashdown

PLANS to close a village church have sparked concerns from community leaders.

Forsbrook Methodist Chapel has been a place of worship for almost 170 years. But trustees of Forsbrook and Blythe Bridge Methodist Church are now seeking permission to 'discontinue worship' at the Chapel Street site and sell off the building.

In a post on social media following the decision, they said they had been faced with an 'extremely difficult decision' but it was 'no longer viable.' The statement added: "We are by no means unaware of the numerous fond memories of Forsbrook Chapel held by many in our community and indeed within our church itself. Our Blythe Bridge site will remain open and continue to provide a place of worship for all within the community of Forsbrook and Blythe Bridge."