Save the Ebenezer Chapel

15/01/2025

Everyone we have spoken to in our community is still deeply disappointed in the outcome of this.

The former Methodist church will be replaced with affordable housing

14/01/2025

This evening we’ve attended NCC’s planning meeting and are saddened that the application to demolish the Ebenezer has been approved. Despite the number of objections and representations made. The views of our community don’t seem to matter.

It’s unfortunate that the decision was made on clear misleading information regarding the involvement of P*P and exclusion of other community groups.

Sadly now West Wylam heritage disappears even more, and we know of plans to demolish the East Centre. So yet even more of Prudhoe’s heritage will disappear.

20/12/2024

We’re aware now that the planning application for demolition has been recommended for approval and will also be heard by Tynedale
Local Area Council.

We’re asking any of our supporters to please lobby their local councillors who are members of the committee go reject the application.

We’re also looking at further options. The fight for the Ebenezer has been ongoing for some time and isn’t over yet. There is a much bigger issue here about our community itself having a say on its future and not faceless organisations imposing what they want on us.

Updated 20/12/24 History The Ebenezer Chapel was built in 1874 shortly after the Mickley Coal Company took over the colliery at West Wylam in the 1860’s. The chapel has played a significant role in…

18/12/2024

Things seemed to have been a bit quiet regarding the Ebenezer Chapel, although the planning application has not progressed. There has been a lot of effort put into Karbon and P*P’s attempt to justify the demolition.

One of the most recent reports by Karbon is a ‘Built Heritage Statement’ it’s an interesting read, and talks about the historic relevance and importance of the Ebenezer. But what Pegasus Grouo who were commissioned by Karbon Homes failed to do when considering the Historic Value of the Ebenezer is consider the ‘intangible value’ they mentioned that the original houses associated with the Ebenezer have gone, but many of the people from that community continue to have strong family links in our community and that intangible value is still very much present in West Wylam.

04/11/2024

Would you think this building was even saveable! Lots of people think so. You can read their story here:

Whitfield Tabernacle in Bristol is due to reopen in 2025 as a new arts, education, history and community building, having secured over £2.8m funding.

With the right will and vision, many derelict buildings such as this can breathe new life. Why should a small former coal mining community chapel like the Ebenezer be any different?

https://thetabernaclekingswood.org/our-future

https://www.fm-architects.co.uk/projects/whitfield-tabernacle/

04/11/2024

There are countless examples of often very advanced states of derelict chapels brought back to life by communities. This is Hartbury Chapel in Gloucestershire. Restored by the Hartbury Heritage Trust and available for the community to use. It just takes a little vision and will.

31/10/2024

Last post of the evening! It’s interesting reading the comments in support of the Ebenezer Demolition. They talk frequently about how there was ample opportunity for parties to buy the Ebenezer!

We know first hand how that worked:

Services ended in 2015. Prudhoe Community Partnership who now are behind the plan to demolish it. Had monopoly discussions with the Methodist Church between then and 2021, no other interested parties could get a look in!

Then the Methodists put it up for sale, presumably frustrated that P*P hadn’t actually materialised any further. Various offers and contracts fell through, and we note Russ Greig got special mention! Somewhat unfairly targeted!

Again, P*P we’re back on the scene and here we are again!

31/10/2024

Much has been said about the condition of the Ebenezer and why its only option is demolition!

One would think, if it was in such state of disrepair and at risk of imminent collapse! Why is is not surrounded by fencing and warning signs much like any other building liable of collapse at any time!

Perhaps some are ‘over egging’ the pudding to try and justify its demolition! When in reality, its demolition just comes down to Karbon Homes trying to make it financially viable!

31/10/2024

Highways Department have revised their submission on the Ebenezer. interesting to note, they now have health and safety concerns regarding the parking provision, and siting of refuse bins etc!

31/10/2024

We’re continuing our fight to help save the Ebenezer. There has been a recent spate of comments submitted online to the planning application in support.

Reading some of the comments simply show the contempt that those individuals have for the people of West Wylam and our community.

In essence! It’s all our fault! Had the people of West Wylam continued to visit the Ebenezer it would still be in use!

A slightly outdated view given nationally the decline in those visiting places of worship!

So if your not a worshiper you must be a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) clearly dismissive of the justified objections of neighbours to the Ebenezer, who have over the years suffered flooding, and who will suffer loss of their on street parking which they have enjoyed for decades. We’ll talk about parking in our next post!

16/10/2024

A great short video highlighting the importance of the Ebenezer Chapel to our community. It may not have held services for many years. But it still can have a bright future for the benefit of our community

26/09/2024

Tonight at Prudhoe Town Council’s Planning Contract and Woks Committee the council agreed to OBJECT to the demolition of the Ebenezer.

This is a great step forward and although not binding on Northumberland County Council’s planning officers, it is a great step in the right direction.