BROMLEY Cross residents are attempting to save the village hall by creating an after school club at the premises.

The business idea is being proposed in order to try and create a sustainable future for the beloved community hub after it was announced last year that it would close along with the neighbouring Birtenshaw Methodist Church.

The idea is being spearheaded by 47-year-old resident Phil Taberner, who has been closely involved with the village hall over the years, who said the club would be “Christian-based”.

The proposal has been sent to the church council and Mr Teberner, who is currently working in Japan, said they had backing from a local business person.

He said: “There is a huge demand for a children’s after school club in the village and it could allow for both the church and the village hall to carry on being a central part of the Bromley Cross community.”

According to Mr Teberner, the backing from the business person would allow for the employment of a full-time manager who would make grant applications.

He said: “The village hall is just such a great place for the community. We’ve had lunch events and we had a bake off competition recently where 1,000 people came along with their cakes. It was fantastic.

“It’s been very successful and this idea would provide a sustainable financial future. I would just like the church council to make a fully informed decision.”

The church opened in 1875 and the hall opened 13 years later in 1888.

The decision to close them was made at a council meeting in October last year, with both set to close this summer.

Rev Philip Belli, assistant minister at Birtenshaw Methodist Church, said: "The decision to close Birtenshaw Methodist Church was a sad but necessary one due to a dwindling congregation size and rising upkeep costs.

“According to charity law, the property must be placed on the open market and sold for the best possible price, so we cannot comment at this stage what the future of the building will hold, as that will not be in our hands.

“We hope that the building will continue to benefit the community in some way – just as its congregation has and will continue to do as they join other churches in the area."