An Aberystwyth councillor hopes to see a holy site, which has recently gone on the open market, return to its former glory as a spiritual and community hub.

St Winefride’s Church, which was built in 1867, recently appeared on John Francis for sale, after it was closed “suddenly” by the Diocese of Menevia in 2012.

Cllr Lucy Huws said the church had been “locked, unused and unloved” since 2012 but she is now hopeful for the future: “It is now important to see this site brought back to serve the community of Aberystwyth in some way, be that as a spiritual, community or green space.

“With a looming economic recession, the world facing an environmental crisis now more than ever is a time for communities to have spaces to come together, work together for the common good and that of future generations.”

St Winefride’s was initially put on the market for demolition and development by the diocese in 2012, after it was closed on the grounds that the building was structurally unsound.

“This came as a shock and surprise and consequently independent surveys and reports were carried out by professional bodies such as SAVE GREAT BRITAIN’S HERITAGE, and surveyors from Carmarthen Council, David Barrat,” Cllr Huws explained.

“No one agreed that the building was on the verge of collapse, all stating in face that it was in good condition but needed maintenance.”

Cllr Huws claims the conclusion drawn was that the diocese was “short of cash and was asset stripping Aberystwyth parish” after they put a plan forward to demolish the church and build flats.

However, Ceredigion County Council rejected this.

Aberystwyth Town Council also sent a letter to Archbishop George Stack regarding a wooden fence that was put up around the church and requesting to open a dialogue with the diocese about the future of the church.

But the diocese did not engage in any dialogue and put the building on the open market.

Cllr Huws hopes this will provide an opportunity to bring the building back into the community, whether it was purchased through a community venture or privately.

“If the diocese wants to take that role back on then we can only welcome it. But if not then why not consider passing it on to somebody who would keep it as a centre place for the community?

“Pope Francis says we need to look at future generations. We need to think long term, and how it can benefit the next generation.

“With the challenges, the deep recession, the environmental crisis, employment poverty, that sort of thing, we so need community spaces. And spiritual places, where people can go recharge spiritually.”

The Diocese of Menevia have been contacted for a comment.