A CHURCH and community hub which has also acted as a shelter for homeless people has closed its doors after 60 years.

A special flower festival was held at Queens Drive Methodist Church over the weekend to mark the end of an era.

Floral arrangements and balloons adorned the hall as church-goers gathered for the poignant thanksgiving service.

“It is with sadness that the decision has had to be made to close the Queens Drive Methodist Church,” said the Rev Andrew Wigley, who joined the church in 2011.

“However, the building’s location is not ideal. It was becoming less suitable for our needs and increasingly difficult to maintain and modernise.

“Last weekend a successful flower festival was held that celebrated the service and witness that this church has brought to the community over the last 60 years.”

Plans are now in the pipeline to sell the Park South place of worship.

Mr Wigley added: “The sale of the building will enable the Methodist Church to take advantage of opportunities for growth and discipleship in Swindon over the years to come.”

Councillors in the area are hoping the church remains somewhere the community can use.

It has previously acted as facility for people to give blood and even an exam venue for New College students.

Most notably it was the base of the Christmas Care Centre, which every year provides warmth and food over the festive period for people living on the streets.

It is run by Patsy Moloney and more than 100 volunteers usually get involved. They have now relocated to The Dome, Walcot after a long search for a new venue.

Councillor Fay Howard, (Lab, Liden, Eldene & Park South), told the Adver: “When I found out obviously I thought it was very sad for the local community because it was used by the church, but also community groups like the Scouts and the Christmas Care Centre, which has been brilliant.

“There’s definitely always people coming and going there and I remember going there to give blood.

“I would like to see it continue as a community space, because it’s a big space and there’s a lack of that for people to use but I guess it depends on whoever takes it on.

“It’s just sad to see a church closing down but others are thriving and St John’s is only down the road.”

Councillor Derique Montaut, (Lab, Liden, Eldene & Park South), said: “It will be sadly missed. It takes away from the community their place of worship in the area.

“It’s been part of the local community for many years. I hope the land in some form will remain serving the community.

“I’m aware from other people it’s widely used in the provision of services. It is not just a spiritual place it deals with a wide range of issues."