Somerby villagers angry over sale of former chapel

The former Somerby Methodist Church building, which closed in October and is now being offered for sale against the wishes of some villagers

The building was closed in October to the distress of worshippers and members of activity groups who regularly used it.

It was initially built as a Sunday school extension to the original chapel, which was closed and sold off by the methodists in 2002.

From then, worship services and community organisation meetings took place in the extension, which was then adopted as the village’s new methodist church.

Fundraising for the new building had started back in 1949 by Olive Hornbuckle and it was built from money raised entirely by local people.

And now campaigners believe the proceeds of the sale should be ploughed back into the community rather than being taken by the Stamford Methodist Circuit, which is understood to have advertised the property as ‘a development opportunity’ for around £190,000.

Villagers opposing the sale told the Melton Times in a statement: “It is hardly surprising that this uncompromising attitude and apparent ambition by the methodist church to achieve the highest possible price is seen by the villagers as harsh.

“What makes this even more upsetting to the village can be understood when you know the history.”

During the 1970s the methodist movement took ownership of all churches and chapels across the country and no covenants were put in place to protect the community’s stake in the buildings.

The sale proceeds from the original church went to the central methodist church organisation 18 years ago.

And villagers are keen that money from the sale of the former Sunday school, which was adopted as the new church, is retained for the community.

They added in their statement: “It seems that in exchange for the investment (by the community of Somerby) the footprint of past and present benefits will disappear - possibly lost forever.”

Stamford Methodist Circuit declined to comment on the issue.