A CHURCH that lost its village base is seeking to build a new office and meeting room onto a parish council chambers.

St Laurence’s Church in Middleton St George officially closed in 2012 after standing empty for four years due to structural problems.

A hard-fought campaign by parishioners was not enough to save the historic building – which was said to need over £800,000 worth of repairs – but now there is fresh hope that a new office and meeting room can be created adjacent to the village’s parish council chambers on Station Road.

The room is not intended for church services, which currently take place at St George’s School, but would instead be used for conducting church business.

At a recent parish council meeting Rev Christine Blakesley told councillors that the proposal could benefit both parties as the church would fund the extension and add disabled access – something that the building currently lacks.

She outlined the church’s desire to create an office and meeting room for up to 25 people, add a new kitchen and disabled access along with additional parking bays.

She said: “If you were to agree, we have the money because of a legacy to be able to afford it.

“Any extra money in that legacy has to be used just for the parish centre and if we have any money left over we would use it for any ongoing costs.”

She added: “This is something that is dear to my heart and we have gone to various other bodies in the village and it has come to nothing.”

Parish councillors welcomed the idea in principle and Rev Blakesley attended a special meeting of the council last week to further update members.

She unveiled an architect’s preliminary drawing of the proposed building and explained that the church room would be separate to the parish council building but that the parish council would be welcome to use it if they needed to accommodate disabled visitors.

Councillors were pleased with the designs but said work was needed on the legalities of any lease agreement.

Cllr Alex Sinski was openly enthusiastic about the proposal, saying: “I think it is brilliant and I hope it happens, I really do.”

Rev Blakesley agreed to consult with a solicitor to move the plans forward.