WORK is taking place to repair the historic chapel in Astley Bridge cemetery – and a community campaigner is asking local people for ideas of what the restored building could be used for.

Bolton Council is carrying out the repairs to the west lobby roof of the unused chapel in a bid to make it safe and protect it from the elements.

The work on the Grade II listed building — which was built in 1883 — has been given the green light by Historic England, but the council says that once the repairs are completed, a “significant” amount of money would be needed to bring the chapel back into use.

Local campaigner and Liberal Democrat member Warren Fox believes there is an opportunity to find a new community use for the cemetery building in Eden Street.

He said: “At present the Grade II listed chapel is undergoing restoration work to make it safe and weather tight.

“When this is completed the council can remove the hoardings and have the opportunity to market the property for future sale.

“Ideally I think the chapel should be used as a community based historical asset preserved for future generations of Boltonians to enjoy.”

Mr Fox has written to scores of local residents, businesses and politicians for guidance and ideas about what the restored building could be used for.

He said: “I have had lots of feedback to the letters I have sent out, among the suggestions that have been presented are ideas for a community centre, a cafe, a florists, a multipurpose building and even a meals on wheels centre for the elderly.”

Among the notable Bolton people buried at the cemetery are former Bolton mayors Benjamin Kirkman, Robert Demaine and Henry Warburton — who was widely credited with rapidly expanding the Warburtons bakery in the early 20th century.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “We are carrying out repairs to the west lobby roof to make the building safe and weather proof. The work has been agreed with Historic England as the chapel is a grade II listed building.

“Once the work is complete, hoardings currently around the chapel can be removed. He added: “There is still a significant amount of further investment required for an investor to restore it for domestic, community or commercial use.”

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