Squatters have occupied an empty church in Falmouth saying they want to use it as a community hub for hosting music and art events and as a home for multiple people.
A group calling itself the Falmouth Autonomous Community Space says it occupied the empty Uunited Reform Church in Kimberley Park Road, Falmouth citing section 6 of the 1988 housing act.
A notice posted outside the church says they are doing it to highlight the severe housing crisis currently gripping Cornwall caused by second homes, holiday lets and Air BnB properties.
"The reality of housing in Cornwall is completely unacceptable – especially while buildings such as this lie empty for years, becoming ridden with mould and damp," they say.
"We believe that buildings should not be abandoned or used as money making assets whilst our community suffers.
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"We will be using the church for community events, and we have already started work on fixing the place up to turn it into a warm, habitable, and vibrant centre designed for (and by) the community. We have the utmost respect for the building, especially with its grade listed two classification, and will be preventing it from falling into further disrepair during our stay here.
"The project is a work in progress, so your contributions and feedback are greatly appreciated!
"Thank you for taking the time to read this notice and we hope to see you at future events!"
When the Packet called no one was at home or wouldn't answer the door.
The doors were blocked with a plank up against it which could be seen through the keyhole.
The group has been contacted by the Packet for a comment.
The final service was conducted at the church on Sunday, October 27th, 2018 at 10.30 before it was closed and the building then sold.
In February Cornwall Council was asked for advice by Conrad Paul over the possible conversion of the United Reformed Church in Berkeley Vale into between two and nine flats.
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