Churches built for shipbuilders and miners set to close

A TYNESIDE town faces the loss of two of its Victorian churches which are just over a mile apart.

- TONY HENDERSON

The churches of St Oswald and St Cuthbert in Hebburn were built to serve what was then a thriving 19th century industrial town with a colliery, shipyards and many factories.

But congregations have now dwindled and the total for both Church of England places of worship is around 25.

David Cleugh, priest in charge at the two churches, said: "The Parochial Church Council of St Cuthbert's and St Oswald's has made the difficult decision to begin the process of exploring the closure of both churches.

"There will now be a consultation period overseen by the Church Commissioners. If the churches do indeed close, the community will continue to be served by St John's Church in Hebburn.

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful volunteers who have supported our ministry and community over the years.

"In recent years, the churches have struggled to attract the new volunteers essential for the day-to-day running and ministry of church life."