Vicar optimistic for future of his church

Bishop Robert says he has no wish to close parish churches whose congregations are dwindling.

He was addressing a meeting in Jurby last night (Monday) looking into the future of church buildings.

Jurby church is £30,000 in debt, in need of essential repairs and has a weekly congregation of six.

Bishop Robert says the a church has been there for hundreds of years and the building is an iconic part of the Island's northern landscape.

However, a realistic way forward has to be found, including appropriate additional uses for the building.

Local artist Michael Starkey says he believes it would make a perfect arts centre (first part of audio file):

The vicar of Jurby church, Reverend Cyril Rogers, says he remains optimistic for the future of the building (second audio file):