Building work completed at St Mary's Church, Arkengarthdale

Following the closure of both the Methodist church and primary school in Arkengarthdale, St Mary’s Church is the only community facility left in the area.

The church, which was built in 1820 in the Gothic Revival style, has now undergone a refurbishment to improve its accessibility, and allow the provision of refreshment and toilet facilities.

Funding was raised through donations and grants to remove several rows of pews at the back of the church, install a mobility ramp and level the floor to create an open, flexible space accessible to people of all abilities.

A kitchenette and servery has been installed to provide refreshments and a small, stone-faced, slate roofed extension has been built containing accessible toilet facilities and room to store the new chairs and tables.

A church spokesperson said: “The local community have already actively embraced the project and Arkengarthdale Community Hub has been created to organise social and community events at the church. The space and the Hub will be formally opened at a celebratory event on Saturday, July 15.

“We hope to be able to offer Champing (church camping) through The Churches Conservation Trust later this year.”

Church officials have thanked architect Mike Overton of Overton Architects, in Ilkley, and contractors Roebuck and Holmes, of Huddersfield, as well as all the individuals and organisations who awarded grants or gave donations.

These include Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire Council, the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Swaledale with Arkengarthdale, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, National Churches Trust, The Duke of Norfolk, Benefact Trust, the congregation of St Mary’s Church, Hudson House Community Company, Reeth, and The Church of England Diocese of Leeds.

“Without their help, we would never have been able to get this project off the ground,” said the church spokesperson. “We have now created a wonderful multi-functional space which we hope will enable St Mary’s to continue to play a significant role in local community life for many years to come.”