BARLING MAGNA PARISH COUNCIL will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday 21st September commencing at 7 pm in the Barling Magna Parish Hall, 432 Little Wakering Road, Barling Magna.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to contribute to the discussion on the future of the Grade II* listed building of St Mary the Virgin Church in Little Wakering Road.
Regular services stopped at St Mary’s Church in 2010, due to a declining congregation and the last public service was held was in 2017. It is now proposed that the church be closed. The Church has fallen into a state of extreme disrepair and the Church of England does not have the funds to meet the costs of maintaining and insuring the building. The costs of making the building viable and then the ongoing maintenance and running costs will be a big financial commitment.
Barling Magna Parish Council is seeking the views of the public as to how the community can take over responsibility for the Church so that a plan can be put forward for consideration by the Church Commissioners.
Representatives from the Church of England will be in attendance to join in with the discussion and to answer questions
All enquiries to: [email protected] or 07867 577569
