The fight is on to save Ashton’s historic church with two spires. St James’ on Cowhill Lane has been a focal point for the area around Penny Meadow for 160 years, but sadly, like many other churches has struggled to survive in the 21st Century. Attendances on Sundays have dwindled to an all-time low while running costs have soared. Last year the Church of England asked the five churches in the Good Shepherd parish to decide which could be closed. Faced with a difficult choice, representatives voted that it should be St James’. A consultation process is now underway giving parishioners, local councillors and community groups the opportunity to voice their objections. More than 70 people attended a public meeting in the church on March 11 and the C of E Manchester Diocese will consider the views expressed before a final decision is made. Ashton St Michael’s ward councillors Bill Fairfoull, Jean Drennan and Andrew McLaren have written to the Bishop of Manchester expressing concern that an area of “high deprivation” stands to lose one of its most precious assets. They describe St James’ as not only a place of worship and familiar landmark on the Ashton skyline but also an important community hub with uniformed organisations for children and teenagers, local education classes and support groups. “It will leave a school without a place of worship, the community without a space to meet and if left mothballed will inevitably attract anti-social behaviour and vandalism in already a challenging area.” Churchwarden Tina Howarth believes St James’ should be seen as more than just the regular Sunday worshippers. “There is so much more footfall during the week. “The Scout group which started in 1908 is the oldest in the district and currently has Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. It would be a great loss if this was to close.” She added that St James’ School next to the church has over 200 pupils who come into church on a regular basis. Built in 1863, Grade Two listed St James’ is the only church within the old Lancashire boundary which has two spires, attracting visitors from far and wide, especially during the ever popular Heritage Open Days held each September. Other recent events have been well supported by the local community including a rock’n’roll nostalgia show, a Christmas brass concert and a three-day scarecrow festival. For more information about church services and events or to offer your support, contact Tina on 07411 773336 or by email tina@dah.co.uk
Michael Wallbank