Council calls for site meeting over derelict Horncastle chapel

A district councillor has called for a site meeting amid claims children are risking serious injury by playing in a derelict chapel in Horncastle.
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Residents raised concerns at a town council meeting last week about the state of the chapel in the Queen Street area.

One resident suggested to councillors that people were living illegally in the building which is privately owned.

The resident said: “I did speak to police last week, I have noticed the door (to the chapel) was open. It’s never been open before.

“Obviously someone is going in and out. The bottom windows have been ‘put in’.

“If it’s kids playing in there, we could have a serious accident.

“That’s the last thing anyone wants.”

Town clerk Gillian Maguer explained the chapel’s owner had seen several previous proposals for converting the building turned down by planners at East Lindsey District Council.

She told residents: “The best thing you could do is get in touch with East Lindsey who can write to the owner.”

District councillor Sandra Campbell-Wardman told the meeting that she would contact planners.

She explained: “I have been in the building and it is quite dangerous.

“I happen to know the owner has spent a lot of money on the property, including a new roof, but he can’t get permission for anything.”

Town and district councillor Fiona Martin suggested a site meeting involving all ‘interested parties’ in a bid to resolve the situation.

She said: “If we brought everyone together, they could see what is acceptable - and what isn’t.

“I will take it up with East Lindsey. Something needs to be done.”

Town mayor Coun Bill Aron backed residents and said the town council was keen to see the matter resolved.

Police say they regularly patrol the area.