WORKERS have answered the prayers of churchgoers looking to renovate a disused chapel.
Villagers in Bartestree have received the keys to Longworth Chapel following a £100,000 revamp. Friends of Longworth Chapel are spending about £500,000 on turning the church into a community venue.
The first stage ended last week when contractor J B Preece and Sons completed structural repairs and weatherproofing.
The project is backed by the Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) and is funded by English Heritage and Severn Waste among others. HCT director Dr Jenny Freeman and local chairman Greg Brunt received the keys from Jeremy Preece last week.
The grade II listed church is part-medieval but is largely a Victorian interpretation. It was originally a private chapel in Old Longworth but fell into disuse since Bartestree Convent was converted into apartments.
Planning permission has been granted for the second phase, which includes new windows, kitchen equipment and heating.
Supporters want to hold community activities and St Michael’s Hospice services in the completed chapel.
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