A HISTORIC church near Launceston could be closed to worshippers under plans announced by the Parochial Church Council responsible for its operation.

The Parochial Church Council of the parish of Jacobstow with Warbstow and Treneglos has confirmed it is seeking to close the Grade II* listed church and will host a public meeting to discuss its future.

While the present church was rebuilt in 1858 prior to its dedication to St George and St Gregory, the site where it sits has a history stretching back to the 12th century, when the parish was in the possession of Robert Fitz-William, the lord of Dowinney, who at the time gave it to the priory of Tywardreath. It was at this time that the first church on the site was built.

However, centuries of worship at the site could come to an end in the plans from the Parochial Church Council, although the public meeting seeks to give an additional opportunity for packages or offers of support to keep it open to come through.

A Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Grant was awarded in 2016 for roof and rainwater repairs. However the outer roof slopes and the timber floor of the tower still need urgent repair.

In an announcement, the Ven. Kelly Betteridge, the archdeacon of Bodmin said: “The Parochial Church Council of Jacobstow with Warbstow and Treneglos has with sadness reached a decision to explore the closure of St Gregory’s Church, Treneglos and is in conversation with the archdeacon about the legal process of this.

“To ensure proper time is given for new opportunities of support to come to light there will be a further public meeting in the summer about the future of the building.

“The public meeting will take place at The Wilsey Down Hotel at 7pm on Tuesday, June 24. All will be most welcome to attend.”