The Future of High Chapel - Have your Say
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? It is important that as many people feed back to the Parish Council about their hopes for the next stage in High Chapel's life. Please let us know your opinion. Any Parish Councillor will represent your views to the council |
YOUR OPINION COUNTS But only if you voice it… |
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Below is an extract from the Parish Council news letter Spring 2006
After more than three centuries the High Chapel has closed its doors to worshippers.
The United Reformed Church Synod will now dispose of the Grade2 listed building.
It is not known what use the building will be put to in the future.
It has been suggested that it could make a Community Centre for the village. Ravenstonedale does not currently have a community building with ground floor access. The Parish Council is investigating the possibility of acquiring the property so that it may continue to serve the Parish.
Various suggestions have been made as to possible uses and the forthcoming Parish Plan survey will doubtless provide more.
Initial Thoughts are for a community centre which could provide a wide range of services locally.
Examples include:
Community & Council Office, increased contact with the parish council, IT facilities & communication with district & county councils, meeting room for visiting organisations, youth centre, continuation of the present social coffee mornings and informal meetings etc, tourist information, historical archives & exhibitions – in fact many of the existing functions plus others. It is emphasised that these activities would compliment those already occurring in other premises rather than being in competition..
It is anticipated that funding for such a project would be available from sources outside the parish.
Government policy is currently very much in favour of rural community halls and support is consequently available.
It is important that as many people (stakeholders in the modern jargon) make known their opinions so that the council can make an informed decision. This is a once only opportunity to have community focal point that all the village, visitors and passers by can use to gain information, support and a welcome to the village. It can increase business opportunities, provide a voice for younger village members -
Or be what you want it to be – in the heart of Ravenstonedale.
An opportunity for Ravenstonedale – an opportunity for you