A LITTLE corner of Stratton is soon to be given a new lease of life as work is to begin on the restoration of a dilapidated old chapel.

The building, situated in Green Road Cemetery in Upper Stratton, dates from the late 1860s and is currently in a state of disrepair.

But councillors are determined to give it a healthy dose of TLC and make it available for the community to use.

Stratton parish councillor Matthew Davis, who is leading the project, is very keen to see the chapel put to good use.

Matthew first set eyes on the charming little building, which only measures 17ft 4ins by 15ft 4ins, when he first joined the parish council and he has since had his heart set on bringing it back to life.

He said: “We really seem to be getting somewhere now. Two weeks ago the parish council had its annual meeting in which it was agreed that we should push through some immediate repairs to the roof, which isn’t in the best condition at the moment.

“It’s what needs to be done if the building is to be made water tight, and we thought we should get it done sooner rather than later.”

Repairs to the roof are expected to take place within the next few weeks, followed by further renovation work thereafter.

“Hopefully we can take advantage of the nice weather,” said Matthew.

“I wouldn’t have thought it should take too long to do, then we can let the building dry out properly before other renovation work can be carried out, particularly on the stone work.

“It should all start to look a lot better fairly soon, then we can decide what we want to use it for.”

It has been suggested that it could be used for weddings, to host art exhibitions, for filming and photoshoots or used as a place of worship.

“It would be good if we could put it to regular use,” he said.

“I am absolutely delighted that we are doing something with it. It’s such a shame that it has been neglected and I hope we can really provide something special for the people of Stratton.”

What’s more, the project has received the full backing of fellow councillors.

Carol Ennis has previously voiced her approval of the scheme, saying: “I am very passionate about this. I don’t think Stratton St. Margaret trumpets what it has, and for that reason I support Matthew 110 per cent.”

The parish will look to raise funds for the project at the Stratton Festival at Grange Leisure in July.

The final cost is yet to be calculated as quotes are still being considered.