Charity's church bid needs YOUR support

CAMPAIGNERS are seeking public support to save the redundant St Matthew's Church from property developers four years after it held its last service.

Christian charity Greater Things Rugby has put in an offer to buy it from Coventry Diocese with the help of a generous benefactor.

And now with the landmark building having been removed from property websites and understood to be sold subject to contract the group is asking Rugby residents to sign a petition in their support for the project.

The charity has provisionally named the building The Welcome Centre which it proposes to run on a not-for-profit basis while retaining its Christian heritage and values.

Charity chairman Rob Saunders said: “We would now like to show the sellers the strength of support from the people of this town for our proposed use of the building.

“We believe it is the right option for the future, and will lead to a more inclusive future that will be of benefit to everyone in Rugby.”

St Matthew's - opposite Rugby School - closed in 2010 when it was found to require £1million of repair work with the congregation moving to St Oswald's on Lawford Road.

It has been marketed by agents Godfrey Payton as 'suitable for a variety of uses, subject to obtaining necessary planning permissions' for offers around £300,000.

The property has also been identified and recorded as an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act 2011.

Over 700 residents have already signed a petition urging to diocese to accept the group's offer which has also attracted political backing.

Ward councillor Neil Sandison said: “I have been amazed at the resilience, skill and knowledge of this group.

“At every meeting I have attended it has been packed solid with positive people with Rugby’s community needs and interests at heart.

“I do hope this group is successful and the residents of Rugby get behind them.

“It’s in the hands of Rugbians if it wants protect its heritage and provide accessible space and potential community facilities.”

The petition can be found online at http://chn.ge/1ax1SoU and is also available to sign at The Christian Bookshop in Castle Street or visit greaterthingsrugby.org.uk.

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