Chapel doors reopen

The chapel's future split the community

A congregation which battled to save their chapel from closure have held an emotional service to mark its re-opening.

The doors of Salem Chapel in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd near Ruthin in Denbighshire, were locked early last year after concerns over spiralling running costs.

Worshippers were unhappy with the Vale of Clwyd Presbytery's decision and held their own services in the village hall, refusing to transfer to a sister chapel in Ruthin.

In May an independent panel, chaired by a former crown court judge, ruled that the closure was not appropriate and the chapel should re-open.

"It is very important that at this stage we forget about the past and look forward to ensure the future success of the chapel," said Deacon Wyn Edwards at the service on Tuesday.

Work together

"We have invited everyone including those who wanted to close us down. There was a welcome for everyone."

Campaigners against the closure kept the chapel and graveyard in order and spent £2,000 of their own money on a redecoration programme.

The chapel, vestry and kitchen have been re-painted and re-wired and central heating has been installed.

"This day has been a long time coming," said one congregation member.

"But all the arguments are put behind us now and I agree the important thing is for everyone to work together."

Members have looked after the chapel and its graveyard

The row over the closure has caused a major rift in the community and even led to a resignation in the chapel committee.

The secretary of the presbytery resigned, saying he was on the side of the parishioners.

It was estimated that £7,000 was needed to be spent on refurbishment to meet safety regulations.

But many of the chapel-goers claimed not enough was done to explore other options to keep the venue running.

They also said insufficient notice was given before the final decision to shut the chapel was made.

The presbytery, however, insisted the congregation were fully consulted and there was a democratic vote.