Public meeting to be held to discuss the potential closure of Honiton’s original church.

The future of Honiton’s original parish church is hanging in the balance.

A public meeting has been arranged to discuss the potential closure of St Michael’s Church.

In the meantime, a ‘Save St Michael’s Church’ sign has been erected by protesters in a field owned by the Marker Estate next to the church.

A statement from the Diocese confirmed that the Parochial Church Council had made an application to apply for the closure of St Michael’s.

It said: “There will be an open public meeting on Tuesday, May 29, at 7pm in the Mackarness Hall to discuss the proposal, chaired by the Archdeacon of Exeter, The Venerable Christopher Futcher.”

In the statement, Reverend Sue Roberts said that St Paul’s Parish Church is actively growing in many ways, serving all ages, and that they wished to focus on serving people through activities and groups held at St Paul’s Parish Church.

She said: “We have a huge outreach from our popular garden club to our coffee mornings which are held twice a week and well attended, including by visiting coach tours to the town.

“We run a craft group which attracts people on the edge of church and is blossoming.

“We also hold regular mother and toddler groups and our children’s officer runs craft days, activities and holiday clubs too.”

A consultation was started in 2010 to decide the best way to use the facilities for the benefit of the community.