THE Diocese of Menevia has hit back at criticism of its controversial plan to demolish St Winefride’s Catholic Church in Aberystwyth.Church leaders insist that a planned replacement place of worship in Penparcau will be “fit for purpose“ and “cost-neutral”.
Last month, members of Aberyst-wyth Town Council agreed to oppose a planning application to demolish the church in Queen’s Road, to make way for 27 housing units.
At its meeting, also attended by a dozen church parishioners, the council heard representations vehemently disputing claims by the church hierarchy that it would cost too much money to repair the building.
Plans to build a new church in Penparcau have already been approved, but protesters claim that a move out of town will affect members of the congregation who do not have cars and efforts are being made to make St Winefride’s a listed building.
In response, a spokesman for the Diocese of Menevia said: “The town council ignores the deteriorating structure of the present church and presbytery, which is built on a dried-up river-bed and has bowing walls and falling masonry. Its condition gives rise to health and safety issues, which could bring about its closure. Already, the Historic Churches Commission has refused an application for listed building status."