Historic Cornwall Church to Close Following Crippling Repair Bill

A Grade II listed church in Cornwall, established more than 100 years ago, is to be closed down after receiving a quote for repairs totalling more than £500,000.

St Paul's Church in Truro, which was built in 1889, required urgent work on decaying stonework in its tower and east end after insurers said the church had to upgrade the building or else lose its policy.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) - who oversees the church - said it felt it would be "immoral, irresponsible and inappropriate" to spend that amount on repairs for the building.

The 60-member congregation has been told that the church will be closing its doors within the next "few months", with other short-term venues being considered - one of which is a local Church of England school.

One long-term option open to the site of St Paul's Church is to build a completely new church, but it is also being considered whether the churchgoers may simply be absorbed into the other churches in the city.

Jeremy Dowling of the Diocese of Truro said: "Whatever the figure, it is considered far beyond the means of the church and wider community.

"For almost two years St Paul's has been wrestling with the implications of these problems.

"A critical phase has now been reached and the overriding consideration of the PCC has to be the health and safety of worshippers, visitors and passers-by."

Priest in charge, Father Chris Epps said: "There is a great sense of sadness and loss, but there are other very positive things happening in the parish and the congregation have taken it very well."