A MEETING that could decide the fate of an historic church in the Washburn Valley will be held next week.

St Andrew's Church at Blubberhouses has served the local community for 150 years.

Designed and built by renowned architect Edward B Lamb in 1856, the Grade II listed building features a distinctive spire and is a popular visitor attraction.

Its congregation, however, has dwindled in recent years while maintenance costs have been rising.

Now the United Benefice of Washburn and Mid-Wharfe is asking Fewston with Blubberhouses PCC to either consider closing St Andrew’s or to find a support group to take the church forward.

A public meeting to let residents have their say will be held at the church at 7pm on Tuesday, and church warden, Pat Anderson, is hoping for a good turnout.

She said: "We would welcome support from the public.

"You may have a soft spot for this architectural gem of a church, and love its stained glass or its presence as a landmark in your own home area and landscape.

"Please come along and let us know what you think.

"We hope to form a Friends of Blubberhouses group to support Fewston with Blubberhouses PCC in keeping the church open and getting people to embrace and use the church, This is a key public building in the Washburn Valley and part of our national heritage."

The PCC received a £14,800 grant from the Listed Places of Worship Roof fund earlier this year to cover the cost of essential roof and gutter repairs and waterproofing work.

It hopes to secure the church's survival with the help of a support group that would focus on broadening the building's uses to generate income.

Contact church wardens Pat Anderson on 01943 880284 or Cheri Beaumont on 01943 46977 for more details or to pass on views about St Andrew's.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Gazette and Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.