THE doors of Naunton Chapel are due to close for the last time after 200 years of service to the community.

As previously reported in The Journal, Naunton Baptist Church, is being sold and amalgamated with Guiting Power Baptist Church, which is already the new home for the North Cotswold Food Bank.

A concert took place last week for people to hear the pipe organ for the last time while the final service will take place on Sunday at 3pm.

The closure has been in the offing for almost two years after congregation numbers dwindled.

Reverend Fiona Milton said they had been fortunate to stay open for so long.

“There are very few chapels remaining in communities of about 300 people,” she said. “Closure has been on the cards several times in the last 30 years and we’re grateful to have been able to keep going.

“Now it’s time to consolidate with the partner chapel in Guiting Power, and make a new start in a single building.”

The chapel has planning permission for two houses with domestic land but the used areas of the graveyard will be retained with separate access for the relatives of the deceased.

Tickets for the concert are £7 in aid of the graveyard fund and are available from Lois Vincent 01451 850462 or Fiona Milton on 01451 850608 or minister@ngbc.org.uk