Calls for community facility to replace church

St Paul's Church in Truro is due to be demolished for safety reasons

A community facility should be considered for the site of a condemned Grade II-listed church in Truro, a local councillor has said.

Church commissioners have confirmed they will allow St Paul's on Tregolls Road to be demolished for safety reasons.

The decision followed a hearing and public consultation about the future of the Victorian building, which last hosted a service in 2008.

The Diocese of Truro said it would be consulting with residents about the future of the site and the preferred option is to build almshouses there.

Bert Biscoe said the site should be prioritised for a new community facility

The diocese insisted the church's tower was unsound due to the polyphant stone it was constructed from having deteriorated.

Independent councillor Bert Biscoe, who represents Moresk and Trehaverne on Truro City Council, conceded this made the building's demolition "inevitable" and the focus should now turn to what next happens to the land.

He said: "The priority should be producing something which, in a modern way, will provide a pastoral, spiritual and community focus for all the people who live roundabout.

"If we can't do that, then I would very much support the diocese in going for almshouses."

Mr Biscoe also hoped the local community would be consulted properly: "We have to think about the priorities and the needs of the people. A piece of land you can put a community facility on is gold dust in a town that is growing like this."

Penny Fugler hopes something "too modern or large" will not be constructed on the site

Ivor Rice, who married his late wife Diane in the church in 1964, was among local residents sharing memories of the site.

He said: "Proudest day of my life that was. I remember seeing her on her dad's arm… it was a beautiful day.

"I realise that it's got to be done because it's unsafe. It's a shame because it was a lovely church and I have a great affinity with it."

Penny Fugler lives opposite the church on Agar Road and got married there in 1973.

She said: "I've got photos of my mother-in-law's wedding there, as well as my own wedding photos.

"It's a sad thing that it's come to it being pulled down. You've just got to accept it and we'll just have the memories."

She thought the area should be used for a couple of homes but cautioned against something "big or modern" being built there.

The Diocese of Truro insisted ways of giving the building a new lease of life had been explored but they were not viable because of the structural problems.

Truro's diocesan secretary Simon Cade said: "We are sorry that such a well-loved and beautiful building has now come to the end of its life.

"We are grateful to our neighbours on Agar Road who have been patient while we have tried to find solutions for the building. We will be getting in touch with them in the coming days to hear their thoughts about the future.

"Moving forward, it is our preferred option to use the land for almshouses but we are very much at the beginning of that work so cannot comment further at this point."