Fears village will lose its only Catholic church
Building in such a poor state of repair, it has to be demolished
05.04.2017 A village church is in line to be bulldozed due to the state of the hall.
Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church could be levelled, with a question mark hanging over the future of the land in Lochwinnoch’s High Street.
The Diocese of Paisley owns the building, with demolition earmarked for later in the year.
Parish priest Father Denis Carlin says the prefabricated building has fallen into disrepair.
He explained: “Over the summer, real problems were detected with the fabric of the building.
“It is awaiting demolition and what happens after that, we are not sure.
“We are looking into maybe rebuilding on the site, but we do not know if that will be entirely possible.”
Engineers have lodged an application to demolish the building with Renfrewshire Council.
A report submitted to planners set out proposals to clear the site.
It stated: “Warning and restricted area notices will be positioned at vantage points.
“The main site area will not be occupied during these works, with only people on site being suitably trained to be there.
“Demolition will proceed in a systematic manner, from the top of the structure to foundation level.
“Concrete and masonry will be demolished in small sections, including breaking up the concrete floor slab.
“Noise levels will be monitored during the course of the works.
“It is accepted that noise cannot be eliminated entirely, but reasonable steps will be taken to reduce any adverse effects.
“Sufficient time will be provided by the client for all aspects of the demolition.”
Mass will be held every Sunday in the neighbouring sister chapel, Christ the King Church, in Howwood.
The brick building was put up in 1954 and, if demolished and not rebuilt, it will bring an end to a Catholic presence at the site for more than 60 years.