Ideas sought for 'beautiful' disused chapel

The chapel, built in the 1880s, has not been used for years

The public is being asked to come up with suggestions for the use of a Victorian chapel.

The non-denominational chapel was built in the 1880s in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, and has fallen into disuse in recent years. It is currently closed.

Malmesbury Town Council hopes the chapel could be used for funeral and interment services, and be available more widely for community groups.

It has invited the public to two open days – Saturday 12 April from 11:00 BST to 14:00, and Wednesday 16 April from 17:30 BST to 19:30.

The public will have the chance to look around the chapel, ask questions and come up with suggestions.

The chapel is in need of redecoration, councillors said

The unlisted stone chapel, measuring just 30ft (9m) by 16ft (5m), stands in front of the cemetery on Tetbury Hill.

Councillor Ian Wallis, who sits on Malmesbury Town Council's burial committee, said: "It is a beautiful building that has been part of the history of the town for around 140 years, which has fallen into disuse, and it would be nice to make it into a functional space again.

"We have written to all the local churches and funeral directors and have had a very positive response to the idea of having the chapel available when there are burials and interments."

The council said the building is structurally sound, but will need some restoration and redecoration works.

A public meeting will be held at Malmesbury's town hall on Wednesday 28 May from 19:00 BST to 20:00 where feedback from the open days will be discussed.

The council will then develop its plans for the chapel.