Plans are now progressing for the demolition of St Paul’s Church in Truro.

A public notice has been printed this week and a public meeting organised by the Church Commissioners will be held on November 7 for members of the public to hear more and ask questions.

St Paul’s Church closed to worshippers in 2008 because it faced two very challenging structural problems; subsidence, probably related to damage from a World War Two bomb that fell nearby, and crumbling stonework meaning that there was a risk to those using the building.

Since 2008 the Diocese of Truro and the national Church of England have been exploring options that might give the building a new lease of life; several groups and individuals have been interested over the years but in each case closer examination of the two structural problems facing the church have meant that proposals have not been viable – even if the building were sold for a token amount.

While it would have probably been possible to solve the subsidence problems, very expensive but technically possible. Solving the subsidence problems, putting on a new roof, new heating and electrics would have cost upwards of £1million and presented lots of problems but the diocese had wanted to explore every possible avenue, even exploring one proposal to dismantle the church piece by piece and rebuild it elsewhere!

However, it has now become clear there is not a solution to the stonework problem. The polyphant stone is de-laminating and the only remedy would be to replace it all; in effect demolish what is there and build a new tower and east end of the church from scratch with brand new stone. The scaffolding that can be seen from Tregolls Road is in place to allow inspection of the stonework, we think it is getting worse quickly now, and because we need to keep the road and footpath safe from falling stone.

The diocese and the national church are sorry that such a well-loved and beautiful building has now coming to the end of its life.

Even a last-minute buyer with very deep pockets would be faced with the reality of the crumbling stonework and the need to protect passers-by – even this option would likely have to include the demolition of most of the building.

We are grateful to our neighbours on Agar Road who have been patient, but while we have been trying to find solutions for the building it has become more dangerous and is now attracting unwanted visitors.

The Church Commissioners will review any comments or correspondence arising from the notice period before a final decision is made.

The public meeting will take place at the Old Cathedral School, Cathedral Close, Truro on November 7 from 3.30pm to 7pm. Representatives from the Church Commissioners with be in attendance to hear views and answer questions.