CLOSURE could be on the cards for a historic Avebury chapel which is the only place of Christian worship in Britain to be built in the centre of a prehistoric stone circle.

However, a ‘special meeting’ is being organised next Thursday, September 10, by the South Western Synod of the United Reformed Church for villagers to have their say on the future of the building in Green Street.

The Avebury Chapel Centre has faced a lot of uncertainty over the years with dwindling numbers and condition of the building deteriorating. The dry rot was so bad in the 1980s an organist reportedly fell through the floor during a service.

Despite money being invested to restore the chapel, it has continued to show signs of decay and its long-term future and whether money should be invested into it will be decided with the help of residents.

A poster outside reads: ‘Does Avebury Chapel have a future in our village?

‘There is no longer a regular worshipping community, and the URC are considering the best way forward for the building. At present it is uninhabitable and needs money spent on it if it is to be used again in any capacity.

‘The URC is inviting all who are interested, both from the village of Avebury and other local URC churches to a meeting to discuss the future of the Chapel.’

The chapel, which also has a quiet garden, dates back to around 1670 when it was built to serve congregations in Marlborough, Calne and Devizes, as it was centre point for all three towns during the 1665 Non Conformists Act of Parliament also known as the Five Mile Act.

It has also previously been a Tourist Information Centre and venue for events and concerts.

The parish council are meeting on September 8 to consider feedback and ideas before the public gathering next Thursday at St James Church, Avebury from 7.30pm.