A meeting held last Wednesday evening at St Hugh's Church, in Radstock, saw over seventy people present, with standing room only, to discuss the way forward for parishioners after it had been announced the previous Sunday that five local Catholic Churches are to close.

For many years, an agreement has been in place between Downside Abbey and the Diocese of Clifton that the abbey would provide for the needs of local Catholics. This arrangement has meant that the Benedictine community were able to provide priests and maintain the church buildings for six Parishes. However, with fewer and ageing members available, it has been decided that the Catholic Churches in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Chilcompton, Holcombe and Norton St Philip are to close at the beginning of Advent, with the 250 parishioners to be 'consolidated' with one centre at St Benedict's Church, Stratton-on-the-Fosse.

"We have known for a long time that there is a serious shortage of priests, not just at Downside, but nationally," said a parishioner from Midsomer Norton. "And it was not unexpected that something would have to change. However, Midsomer Norton would have seemed a much better choice for the Parish centre. Without it, the town will be the largest conurbation without a Catholic Church.

"Geographically, it is much more central, there is ample parking and the transport links are good. The church here is bigger and is often filled to overflowing on Sunday. People just won't be able to get to Stratton, especially from places like Farmborough and High Littleton. Elderly people, in particular, are likely to find it very difficult."

The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement that a proposal should be put to Dom Leo Maidlow Davis, Prior Administrator of Downside Abbey, the Downside Trustees and the Diocesan Bishop, to rethink and consult with congregations about the plans and to keep the Church of the Holy Ghost, in Midsomer Norton, and St Hugh's, in Radstock, as Parish

Centres, rather than St Benedict's, in Stratton-on-the-Fosse.

Previously, Downside has said the decision has already been taken and transport will be arranged for those who need it to Stratton-on-the-Fosse.

St Joseph's Catholic Church, in Peasedown St John, belongs to the Clifton Diocese and has no resident parish priest, but does have a lay administrator. Fr Malcolm Smeaton, from Prior Park College, takes many of their services during term time. A spokesperson from the church said that: "We are a small, but very active church and anyone who is 'displaced' by the proposed new arrangements would, of course, be very welcome."

Other ideas that have been suggested are now online via a new forum that has been set up. To view them and join the discussion, visit: http://www.holyhugh.com">www.holyhugh.com or email suggestions to: [email protected]">[email protected]

Before dedicated as a church, St Hugh's, in Radstock, was once Purnell's Print Works, whilst the Holy Ghost Church, just off Midsomer Norton High Street, is a fifteenth century tithe barn and the oldest complete building in Midsomer Norton.