Campaign to save historic chapel from ruin

Campaigners want the former chapel to be saved and given a new lease of life

A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to restore a historic former chapel in Stoke-on-Trent.

Campaigners want to save the Grade II-listed building in Longton Cemetery, which they said has fallen into disrepair.

The building is owned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and dates back to the Victorian era.

The authority said it was aware of the campaign and was supportive.

The Grade II-listed building used to be a chapel

Local blogger and history enthusiast Jenna Goodwin said the building, which is currently unused, was unique in Stoke-on-Trent as it was made out of wood.

She added: “There are people who went to services there when their loved ones were buried - it’s not something lost to the realms of history.”

Ms Goodwin said she was told by Stoke-on-Trent City Council that it did not have enough money to pay for the upkeep of the chapel.

The building dates back to the Victorian era but is no longer in use

A target of £10,000 has been set to carry out the necessary work, with more than £3,000 of funds already being raised.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are aware of the GoFundMe page and are supportive of the work currently being undertaken to preserve the heritage of the building.”

Campaigners have been told the council cannot afford the building's upkeep costs