A community group hoping to turn a church into a community hub say they are “extremely disappointed” after vandals damaged the property.

One of the original leaded windows of St Sulien’s Church, in Silian, was smashed in a targeted attack around 20 September.

Community group Menter Silian are in talks with Church in Wales about a bid to transform the former church into a community hub.

Chair of the group Eryl Evans said: “We are extremely disappointed that vandals have targeted our building.

“There has been a determined attempt to enter into the vestry which leads in the church. There is nothing to take in the church as all the important things like the register, communion cup, brasses, and so on, have long been taken for safe keeping to St Peter’s in Lampeter.

“This is pure destruction. We will never be able to replace that original window and the open space will now be boarded up.”

Dyfed-Powys Police received “a report of criminal damage caused to a window at the St Suliens Church, Silian, between 3pm, 21 September and 6pm, 22 September”.

The church, which dates back to 1873, has stood empty since it closed its doors in 2017.

Menter Silian said, while the building is still owned by the Church in Wales, “they are very supportive of Menter Silian’s efforts to take it on as a community hub”.

Nikki Vousden, archaeologist and secretary of Menter Silian, said the Church in Wales is prepared to lease the church to the community for a minimum of 25 years.

However, Eryl said “support from the community is key to he success of this venture” and the group have launched a community consultation to give residents the opportunity to share their vision for the future of the hub.

Eryl said: “We were recently awarded a grant from Cynnal y cardi (LEADER), in order to employ business consultants to oversee the completion of a business plan.

“Landsker Business Solutions Ltd. are undertaking the work, and will be asking local people to complete a questionnaire to confidentially gather views on the project.

“Look out for it on the Hen Eglwys Silian Old Church Facebook page, or if you live in Silian the Landsker team will be coming door to door with a paper version.”

While the vandalism is a “set back”, Eryl said they are “determined” to go forward with the project.

“Obviously this break in, is a bit of a set back as repairing original windows like this will add to our costs,” he said.

“However, we are determined to prevent such a beautiful, historic building becoming derelict, and aim to give this project our best shot for the benefit of the community and future generations.”

Nikki said Menter Silian was established to “look at the viability of transforming the building into a multi-purpose community and tourism facility”, as the only suitable building in the village.

Aside from the procurement of the church, the group also “strives to promote community based projects such as a gardening group”.

If you have any information on the vandalism, contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, quoting reference number DP-20210922-394.