Chapel up for sale after congregation dwindles

Ailsworth Methodist Chapel held its last service in 2021

A chapel in Cambridgeshire which closed because of a declining congregation is being sold for about £250,000.

Ailsworth Methodist Chapel outside Peterborough in Cambridgeshire which dates to 1860 held its last service in 2021.

Ailsworth Parish Council said the reason for the closure was declining numbers at services.

Graham Smith, a partner at the property firm Rapleys, said: "Churches are just not performing as they used to."

Graham Smith said there is a "niche little market" for selling churches

Although the parish council held meetings in the chapel there was no viable interest, or option, for the community to be able to purchase the building.

Anne Perkins, who chairs Ailsworth Parish Council, said: "We are obviously concerned at the loss of a community asset, we are also concerned about what might happen to the building if it does not sell."

The chapel which is believed to fit between 50 and 60 people was also said by and has stood derelict since 2022, is now up for sale for £250,000.