A CHAPEL that will be 160 years old next year is set to close its doors in the new year.

With falling congregation numbers and a large amount of money needed to be spent on the building, Seaton Methodist Chapel, believed to be one of Seaton’s oldest places of worship, has no choice but to close for good.

As Methodist leader John Wesley preached in the village in the 1700s, with a plaque located outside the Pack Horse Inn to commemorate the visit, the site is of great historical importance to the community.

Seaton Parish Council members and residents of the village are saddened to be losing the chapel, and councillor Julie Norman is no exception.

“I think it’s a very sad thing to see, especially because of the connection to Wesley,” she said.

“It’s a real shame that we’re losing these special places in the village – it must just be a sign of the times, I think.”

The chapel will be closed from February, and will have three services before then, giving the community the chance to gather there for the final times.

Parish councillor Lily Harwood was saddened by the closure, and said: “It’s definitely a shame, it really is.

“It doesn’t matter how big the congregation is, because people still used it for christenings and weddings and other services, so it’s sad that people won’t be able to anymore.”

She added: “Hopefully people will continue to worship, and choose to come to St Paul’s or other churches in the area.”

The first of the three farewell services will be held on December 22, with Carols by Candelight at 4pm.

As requested by those who attend the services, the chapel will hold their Beetle Drive at 7pm on January 13.

The final service will be one of celebration, taking place on February 16 at 3pm, giving Seaton Methodist Chapel’s congregation a last opportunity to worship there together.