WILDMOOR Methodist Chapel will be closing its doors for the last time after more than 100 years of worship.

The small number of members of the congregation are very sad to see it close as many of them have been attending for most of their lives.

The chapel was built in 1894 at a cost of about £300 and in its heyday packed in 120 worshippers.

Now just ten or 11 members use the Wildmoor chapel, which means it is not viable, according to church leaders.

Rev Andy Lyon said: “It is not just that there are few people in the congregation, but that those who do attend do not come from Wildmoor.

“I am sorry for the few who want to keep on travelling to the chapel, but they can join other congregations in the district.”

Mr Lyon said the vote to close the chapel was unanimous.

He added: “We feel our resources could be better used elsewhere.”

He said he would be looking at options for the disposal of the chapel, but there were no plans at present.

Regular worshipper Miriam Prosser said: “We have devoted our lives to the chapel. There is such a lot of loving care gone into maintaining it and the grounds.”

The 62-year-old chapel secretary was born in Wildmoor and travels from Redditch to worship.

Her sister, 73-year-old Sylvia Guest, has been the organist and treasurer for years.

Miriam, who has now got herself a part-time job, added: “I do feel rather bitter at the chapel’s closure. We have seen families grow up and grow old in what is our spiritual home.”

She said the final service, to take place on Sunday, August 31, will be a quiet one with no fuss.