Radstock Town Councillors held discussions in private session on Monday evening regarding the future of Radstock’s Trinity Methodist Church, which is due to close in the early part of next year.

Talks were held behind closed doors due to commercially sensitive information, but speaking at the beginning of the meeting, Westfield Ward Councillor, Eleanor Jackson, addressed Councillors to emphasise the building’s historic importance to the town.

She said: “It seems to me most appropriate that you are considering the future involvement of the Town Council in the conservation of this beautiful building for the community.

“From the informal negotiations I have been involved in so far, I know that you appreciate the role it plays as an asset to all who enter its walls, but also a symbol of hope for our future.

“Although it was not built with the bare hands of the miners, as the Westfield Chapel was, it was still paid for by them, when the Wesleyan congregation worshipping in what is now the Radstock Carpet & Bed Centre decided to ‘upgrade’.

“Two years later came the great revival of 1904, when the Church would have been packed for meetings, but more importantly, perhaps, were the literacy classes, the music and activities for young people. Speaking as an ordinary Radstock resident, I think it is a monument to the enterprise and imagination of our residents, and should continue to be so.

“Speaking as a B&NES Councillor on the planning committee, it is impossible to develop this site for housing under present local and national policies.

“Unlike St Hugh’s, there is no parking. It would also undermine the work to revive the High Streets of our towns.

“The hall has become a focus for the lonely, the disabled and those on slender means. Forty groups were meeting here before the pandemic.

“I have researched a number of sources of funding to get the Church properly repaired, but we need to act now. It will be easier to pull in this funding if it can be designated as a community centre, to be owned by the Town Council.

“Since The Journal article first ran (announcing the closure), there have been very generous offers of donations and volunteering and already Somer Valley Organisations have asked to be involved – so the resources, money and volunteers are there.

“It can be done. Just have faith in Radstock – as I know you always do.”