THE permanent closure of a local church has roused fears for the future of other local churches.

Two weeks ago the permanent closure was announced of Sandford Congregational Church.

The church has been closed during the pandemic and notices have now been placed on noticeboards which read: “This church is now closed permanently.

“Access to the graveyard is through St Swithun’s churchyard until further notice, due to the unsafe condition of the boundary wall, caused by trees in the churchyard.”

The notice also adds that if there are any enquires about the closure, to address these to the executive trustees of the Congregational Federation in Nottingham.

Sandford Congregational Church was built by the Baptists in the parish in 1848 and mentioned in White’s (1850) Devon Directory.

Until about 20 years ago it had a busy and active congregation but this has dwindled in more recent times despite the hard work of a stalwart few members.

One of those, Marion Nosworthy, speaking to the “Courier” about the Church closure said: “It was a hard decision to make.

“It was a very sad day but we felt there was no other option than closure.

“The church has been closed since the pandemic began and we felt that with congregation numbers so low that we just could not open again.

“A small group of us have been running the church for the past 13 years, myself and Mandy Tothill and sadly Marilyn Winter, who was also a great help, died last year.

“It is the end of an era.”

Marion confirmed that the executors of the Congregational Federation have now taken control of the building.

Prior to the pandemic services were held at the church on the first and third Sundays.

In the past the church ran a successful youth club and other groups.

Christmas tree festivals and many other functions have, in the past, been very successful.

Sandford Congregational Church Hall, which is located alongside the church is also closed and is now in the hands of the Congregational Federation.

Prior to the pandemic, the hall was used for a number of functions and as a meeting venue for Sandford Parish Council until it relocated meetings to Sandford Sports Pavilion.

It is expected that the hall and church will be placed on the open market.

Some local people have proposed that the venues are purchased by the local community for future use, possibly as a meeting/arts venue or for other use.