Diocese's plans 'could be disastrous'

Falling Mass attendance and reduced numbers entering the priesthood in Lancashire, once the heartland of the English Roman Catholic community, are putting increasing pressure on the resources of the Diocese there. In 2005, fearing that some church closures may be necessary, the Diocese commissioned the Architectural Heritage Practice to produce a report setting out the significance of its buildings. Yet, despite this excellent piece of work, the architectural and historical importance of the region’s churches seems to have been given little weight in the Diocese’s plans. Set out in its Fit for Mission? Review, the draft proposals earmark five listed churches for closure, chief among them the Grade I-listed St Walburge’s, Preston built in 1850-66 by Joseph Aloysius Hansom, the inventor of the Hansom cab. So far no indication of plans for the buildings’ future use or maintenance has been given.  

‘It’s vital that Lancaster Diocese factors the architectural importance of these buildings into their plans,’ said David Garrard, Historic Churches Adviser of the Victorian Society. ‘We don’t dispute the pressures they are under, but we urge them to do everything possible to safeguard the future of these nationally significant buildings. The decisions they make now could have serious consequences for some of Lancashire’s richest heritage.’

In 2004, the Grade II*-listed St Augustine’s, Preston was demolished after years of dereliction. The Victorian Society fears that more of Lancashire’s historic churches could be lost if plans for their future are not developed soon.

‘The best and only sure way of preserving a church building is to keep it in its original use,’ continued Mr Garrard. ‘Where that is not possible, plans need to be put in place for alternative uses for these buildings before they are closed. You only have to look at what happened to St Augustine’s to see what’s at stake here: if the Diocese does not make provision for their churches, these buildings may not be around much longer. That would be a disaster for us all.’