A VOLUNTEER group’s plans to open a community shop, heritage centre and cafe is “forging ahead” , despite a failed bid for public money.
The Cotherstone Old Chapel Project learned last month that its application for Community Ownership Fund (COF) money had been unsuccessful.
The chapel project, which is a community benefit society, had applied for £250,000 capital funding to help with renovation costs of the former Methodist Chapel, along with £40,000 revenue funding to cover set-up costs.
Undeterred, project chairman Chris Tarpey said: “We are forging ahead. We had our offer accepted on the chapel so that is going through conveyance at the moment.
“We can reapply but they haven’t said when it reopens yet.”
Planning permission to make the necessary changes is in place.
He added: “We have the majority of the money from the share issue and we are speaking to Durham County Council about some funding through Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP). We are very confident we can complete the purchase and start the renovation work.
“Our final aim hasn’t changed and we will reapply to the Community Ownership Fund and look at other sources of funding.”
He added: “We will do some basic work on the chapel and make sure the roof is sound and the floor is safe to use.
“At least we will keep the chapel with the community. It may take a bit longer to come to fruition but we will continue with the pop-up cafes while raising the cash.”
The fifth in a series of pop-up cafes at the chapel, when the theme was repair, proved just as popular as in the past with many flocking to sample teas, coffees and cakes as well as getting one or two items fixed by willing volunteers.
Mr Tarpey said: “We have opened the share issue again so people can buy now.”
For information about the Cotherstone Old Chapel Project visit: theoldchapel.info
