Public invited to attend meeting to discuss action over Nuthall church hall

Residents want to see it bought back into use, but Nuthall Parish Council said the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham has recently pulled out of discussions to sell it to the council to be retained for community use

Acting on requests from group leaders and the public, the council is hosting a meeting on Thursday, April 6, at 7pm, at The Temple Centre, Nottingham Road, Nuthall.

A council spokeswoman said: “Feelings are running very high, especially with some older members who remember themselves or their families contributing to the building of a church hall now facing an uncertain future and a diocese that seems to be not responding to them regarding its present state and future plans.

“We understand a petition is being raised and it is the dominant topic of conversation at the local community café. Local groups – some even church-affiliated – have been left homeless, in some cases having to move out of Nuthall altogether.

“The council is in a difficult situation as the hall is the property of the Church and the Church is not accountable to us.

“This is the opportunity for all interested parties to get together and have their say.”

Spokesperson for the diocese said: “The Parochial Church Council (PCC), with the support of the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, has been considering its medium to long term options for the community use of St Patrick’s Church Hall Nuthall with the Parish Council since May 2022, recognising the building’s status as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

"The parish council withdrew its interest in February 2023 but the PCC, supported by the diocese, remains open to future negotiations.

"There is no substance to the speculation the site will be sold in two to three years’ time.

“The diocese has not been invited to the meeting on Maundy Thursday, which we understand is the annual parish meeting.

"This is a key date in the Christian calendar when many parishes, including Kimberley and Nuthall, hold church services.

"The PCC and diocese are unable to be represented at the meeting.”