News
A Legal Notice published in the Classified section of the
Leigh Journal dated: Thursday 28th February 2008
Charity Commission
CHARITY: SACRED HEART CHURCH,
Tyldesley Road
HINDSFORD
REFERENCE: 4010052 / 638875
The Charity Commission proposes to make a Scheme to amend
the trusts of this Charity. A copy of the draft scheme can be seen
at St. Richard’s Parish House, Mayfield Street, Atherton. M46 0AQ
or a copy can be obtained by sending
a stamped addressed envelope to:
Charity Commission Direct,
PO Box 1227,
Liverpool
L69 3UG
quoting the above reference or visiting our website at
www.charitycommission.gov.uk
Comments or representations can be made
within one month from today to the
Charity Commission address
as stated above quoting the above reference
Comments or representations can also be submitted
via email, quoting the above reference number to:
Nigel.geary-
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An article in the Tyldesley, Atherton & Leigh Journal
Thursday March 13th 2008
Emotions run high over future of church
By Brian Gomm
The future of a listed building which was the heart of a
village community is again in doubt.
A cloud hung over the historic Church of the Sacred Heart alongside Tyldeley Road at Hindsford when in October 2000 a decision was made to demolish the church buildings and build a new church on the same site.
The intention was to eliminate the need to use limited funds to maintain and repair the buildings but the loss of such an impressive landmark was seen as a step too far by some parishioners who successfully secured Grade 2 listed building status for Sacred Heart in the summer of 2001.
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Now the community is preparing to renew the battle and secure the future of the buildings for wider community use.
Mrs Barbara Howell, who heads the group dedicated to preserving the fine old building, explained: "There was an expectation that the buildings would be safe, and applications for repairs would be made to various funding organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund.
"Sadly this was not the case.
"Following an emotionally charged final service, the doors were closed for worship in July 2004. Since that time a committee of volunteers have maintained the lawns and gardens and organised community events in the church grounds.
"The future of the buildings are now once again in doubt. Liverpool Diocesan Trustees have applied to the Charity Commission to vary the trust deed which if successful may result in the buildings being offered for sale.
"A draft scheme has now been published. Copies of this can be seen at St Richard's Presbytery, Mayfield Street, Atherton or on the Charity Commission website. There is a period of one month during which time objections or recommendations can be submitted to the Charity Commission.
"Our built heritage is too important to ignore.
"Once it is gone it is gone forever. Sacred Heart Church has been a focal point in the Hindsford Community since 1869. It stands proud in an area which has seen substantial residential and commercial renovation over the years."
Mrs Howell is urging those who wish to see the buildings preserved for wider community use to visit the website: www.sacredheartrchindsford.co.uk or contact her on 01942 879416.
10:02am Thursday 13th March 2008