People in the upper Gaunless Valley are to be asked for their views on the future of a derelict chapel.
The building in the heart of the Woodland cemetery is the responsibility of the village’s parish council, but it doesn’t have the cash to repair and maintain it.
The chapel has only been used sparingly for several years, including as a storage space for items donated for Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia; as a store and collection point for a breakfast pantry initiative in 22/23; as a store for the now closed Woodland youth club, and some parish council meetings.
Councillors are now considering having it demolished, but will first consult residents and two neighbouring parish councils.
Clerk to the council David Buckee told members at their latest meeting that five quotes for the demolition had been received.
Cllr Brian Abbott said: “The point needs making that something needs to be done.
“It is quite derelict at the moment and things like the chimney is close to becoming dangerous to the point of it needing fencing off at ground level.
“Just letting it go on as it is, isn’t an option in the long term. We have a choice of we either magic up some use for it and refurbish it, or the other option is demolish it.
“At the moment, as we stand, nobody has come up with any useful suggestions of what might be done.”
Currently council members are in support of the demolition and to replace the building with a garden of remembrance.
Cllr Janet Gardner noted that as long as the building had no use, it would be impossible to attract funding to have it repaired.
Chairman Cllr Andrew Hall suggested that a public consultation be held.
He said: “We should inform Lynesack and Softley [parish council] because there are a lot of Lynesack and Softley family members buried in there.
“We probably need to inform Hamsterley Parish because there are a lot of Hamsterley people in there as well.
“Once we’ve had the consultation we can get the feeling of what the people and the parishes think about it.”
He warned that the parish council had already put up its precept this year, and if the choice is to retain the building then the parish council tax would have to go up significantly next year.
The public consultation will take place at Woodland Village Hall on Tuesday, April 14 at 7.30pm.
