UP TO six churches across Eifionnydd look set to close under sweeping new changes proposed by the diocese.

The move has sparked concerns that church buildings which have significant architectural and cultural value may be lost to the public.

There is a hope that some of the churches may be able to remain as community assets, with leases being left as an option.

Under the plan, services would be in St Cyngar’s churches at Borth-y-gest, St Mary’s in Beddgelert and St Catherine’s in Criccieth.

There are also suggestions that there will be a place of worship in Porthmadog, but there are plans for St John’s Church to be closed and a more suitable building found.

That would mean the closure of St Cawrdaf’s Church in Abererch; St Cybi, Llangybi; St Garmon, Llanarmon; St John Baptist, Llanystumdwy; St Michael, Treflys, near Morfa Bychan; and St Mary, Garndolbenmaen.

Siôn Rhys Evans, Bangor’s diocesan secretary and chapter clerk, said the church had too many buildings on its books.

“There’s likely to be a different future for six of the church buildings,” he admitted. “We’ve been looking for some time at the condition of the buildings and what it’s possible for the church to do.

“It’s sad; it’s always sad when a church closes for regular worship, but patterns of church life are changing and we need to focus on where we can invest our money.

“Lower attendances play their part but we haven’t seen a significant reduction in numbers in recent years, it’s more to do with what role the church plays in their community."

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