TRUSTEES of the diocese in charge of an Aberystwyth Catholic parish voted unanimously to stop anyone entering a closed church despite the bishop giving the go-ahead for a town council survey just days before, the Cambrian News can reveal.

It was reported in the Cambrian News last week that Aberystwyth town councillors were left “shocked” and “disappointed” after Bishop Tom Burns said a surveyor would not be allowed to enter St Winefride’s church on Queen’s Road.

Councillors accused the bishop of “going back on his word” to allow an independent survey if it was paid for and arranged by the town council.

The council subsequently found a surveyor to carry out the work to ascertain the condition of the church, which the diocese wants to demolish to make way for housing. They instead want to renovate a church in Penparcau to house the congregation.

While Bishop Tom and the diocese have not responded to questions from the Cambrian News over the U-turn, an e-mail to councillors - seen by the Cambrian News - said that no-one would be allowed to enter the building.

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