A community group in Billingham says it has reached an agreement in principle to help run St Cuthbert’s Church, a 1,000-year-old building that had been set for closure.
The parish had applied to close the church in 2024 due to rising costs and falling attendance. Following months of negotiations between the Friends of St Cuthbert’s and the Diocese of Durham, a plan has been agreed in principle to run the church in partnership, allowing worship to continue.
Ken Wilson, chairman of the Friends group, described the breakthrough as “a great step forward” and said it could lead to “a sustainable future for the church.”
A spokesperson for the diocese said talks had progressed “constructively” with both the parish and the Friends group. “The latest proposals will be shared with public bodies as part of the consultation process and, once finalised, there will be a period of public notice led by the Church Commissioners before any scheme is approved,” they added.
During the proposed partnership, services, weddings, baptisms, and funerals will continue at the church, while the Friends group will maintain cultural and heritage events. The group will also take over responsibility for the church’s running costs from the parish.
Wilson thanked local people for their ongoing support and donations. “Continuing that support and generosity will be absolutely vital over the next five years to enable the partnership to last the course and for the Friends to progress to a sustainable future for the church long term,” he said.
He added that “urgent further negotiations are already happening to turn the agreement in principle into a robust operating agreement so that the parties can work productively to achieve the partnership’s objectives over the coming five years.”
