A MEETING has been held in Cockermouth with more than 71 residents coming together to discuss options following the news that the United Reformed Church on Main Street will close its doors after 375 years.
The church has been a base for many of the town's groups and societies throughout the last three centuries, with 17 currently operating from the venue on a regular basis.
Concerns were raised for the affected groups due to the United Reformed Church providing a venue big enough for lots of activities to take place, with doubts that other community venues would be able to accommodate the range of groups.
Chris Bowers, who retired as the treasurer of Cockermouth Music Society recently, a group which regularly used the United Reformed Church, helped to organise the meeting to discuss options moving forward.
"Everyone was very disappointed it is closing down, no question," said Chris. "It has been a very, very useful premises. 17 organisations are currently using it regularly, and a number of organisations use it from time to time in addition.
"To find space in Cockermouth for those activities - ranging from Scouts to Slimming World, toddler groups, choirs.... it is quite difficult."
Following the public meeting, 12 members of the audience agreed to meet and look into the matter in more detail, to try and find a solution for the issues that the closure of the church poses.
Community purchase of the United Reformed Church may be an option. However there were doubts about the long-term sustainability of a takeover due to flood risk and 'high running costs'.
Chris said: "A lot of organisations that are using it have had to move out, or are moving out and have been looking at other premises like the Masonic Hall and Methodist Church, places like that. But none are ideally suitable... they have to be adapted in some way.
"Which is where I think there is a need for some sort of community centre in Cockermouth."
The United Reform Church confirmed that there church on Main Street, Cockermouth would be closing later this year, but did not provide any further comment.
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