A PUBLIC meeting is to be held tomorrow to discuss the future of an historic Newton Abbot church.

St Mary’s at Abbotsbury has not been used for worship since last year after a revision of the town’s parish churches.

But the Grade II* listed building is home to one of the finest organs in the south west and it is unlikely it could be moved.

Lay minister Steven Sheldon explained: ‘It is an expensive building to maintain and we have struggled over the years.

‘There was one congregation which was spread over two churches and it didn’t make sense to keep both buildings going.

‘It is now down to the diocese what happens to it and there is a set procedure to follow.

‘But it would make a good concert venue.’

Parishioner Wyn Turner is keen to see the building turned into a community hub.

He said: ‘I, like many other people, would like to see it retained as a community hub.

‘It may never be used for worship again but it has so many resources that make it ideal for music, exhibitions, conferences and the like. If it were to be sold, the proceeds would vanish into the diocesan coffers and be no use to local people.

‘As a community hub, it would serve the people of Newton Abbot in many ways.

‘As a fine adaptable building it houses one of the finest organs in the south west as well as other highly praised artefacts.

‘The public meeting is a chance for the people of Newton Abbot to have some input into what the future could be for this fine resource.’

Tomorrow’s meeting takes place at 7pm at the church.