Background

Some time prior to Dec 2002

(possibly as early as 1998) the Diocese took a decision NOT to carry out repairs to SS Peter & Paul’s Church.

December 2003

Grade II Listing status awarded to SS Peter and Paul's by English Heritage.

September 2006

• Arrival of the Priest in Charge
• Immediate emptying of the Presbytery and removal of many artefacts from the Sacristy.
• Canon law states this is the property of the parishioners, not the diocese and that an inventory must be made available to the common people.

February 2007

• Options Paper drawn up by Father Feeney.
• Trustees were NOT involved.
• Canon Law: “…before issuing a decree,.. (an authority) must seek information and proofs, to hear from those, whose rights can be injured”

April 2007

• Options Paper replies were sent by Father Feeney to the Diocese.
• A very short time later, to head off our public initiative, an extra ordinary meeting of the Diocese Trustees was quickly arranged by the Bishop.
• This was to announce their decision to close the Church.

April 30th 2007

Decree Letter read out by Father Feeney on May 5th and 6th at mass.

“ No further statement will be issued”

The letter was as follows :- To be added later…….

What process has been followed consists of the following :-

A Green Paper quoting...

• Declining numbers of priests
• A drop in Mass attendances.

A White Paper endorsing the view that...

“a feasibility study should be started, with a view to advising on alternative uses within the present church building”

A Feasibility Study in 2002 recommending one of the following....

• Convert internal areas .. to provide accommodation for parish social activity
• Provide additional accommodation for primary school…with area for parish activities
• Sell to a developer for conversion
• Construct a new multi-purpose church

Structural Reports finding the following faults...

• One of the main reinforced concrete columns badly corroded
• Mortar of brickwork cladding in poor condition
• Pointing in very poor condition
• In 3 instances-corroded conduit
• Ponding,blocked r/w hoppers = damp penetration
• Low plaster cover major cause of high corrosion’ Sanctuary and others
• moisture penetrated dome roof/door’
• Some weaknesses to junctions of roof surfaces and walls

The structural engineer's report stated that “Generally speaking the church is in good structural order with no major concerns for the type and age of construction” . It went on to make the following recommendations.

• Concrete repair specialist
• Regime of re-pointing to brickworks
• Overhaul rainwater goods and joints
• Improve ventilation

An Option Paper stating that....

VAT can not be reclaimed on repair works.

The building would struggle to attract any grant from English Heritage.

S.O.U.L has been advised from 5 different sources opinion that grants can be obtained both nationally and locally, as has been established by another local church with the same Listings status. Furthermore, being a Listed Place Of Worship means that VAT can be reclaimed on virtually all the works involved after 1st April 2004, including professional fees.

Financial estimates ....

Suggested costs ...... £1,043,435 ( inc VAT )

It is worth noting that diocesan finances over the last 3 years have seen a surplus of income over expenditure as follows :- £3,971,000 £2,394 ,000and £4,755,000 and as of 31st March 2006, the diocese held stocks and shares to the value of £15.7m ( the value of stocks and shares has risen appreciably since this date !).

Conclusion.....

Since the Trustees were not given sight of the Option Paper, it appears that a decision had already been made before any consultation had taken place.

We have recently lost ...

• Our own Parish Priest
• Family-friendly Mass
• Daily Masses
• Housebound Mass
• Benediction
• Stations of the Cross Prayer to Our Lady
• Harvest Festival Spiritual and Liturgical inspiration
• Parish co-hesion