Wilsden's biggest eyesore, the derelict Methodist church, is to undergo a major facelift after being bought by a builder.

Noel McGurgh, 38, who specialises in barn conversions, bought the Grade II-listed building for £50,000 from Graham Hall who had owned it since 1992.

Mr McGurgh said he was not 100 per cent sure of what he wanted to do with the chapel.

But his plans include converting it into flats. He said he was in talks with Shipley Planning department as to the kind of housing that would eventually be developed.

He said he was eager to get a roof put back on the building but work was unlikely to start for two to three months.

Martin Harrison, chairman of the village society, said: "This is a very welcome development and I am sure I speak on behalf of the vast majority of Wilsden residents in wishing Mr McGurgh every success. Everyone realises that it is not going to return to its original use but we hope that it will be put to some use such as good quality housing."

Mr McGurgh, of Allerton, said: "I have been passing it for the last 15 years or so and am really into those sorts of buildings. I do barn conversions and this is like the next step up for me, so it is going to be a bit of a challenge. I'm dealing with English Heritage and will be applying for grants but I'm not pinning my hopes on it. It's a big job and I will have to put a lot of money into it.

"Bradford Council are dead keen to see something done and I hope we can do something with it. Demolition is definitely not on the agenda.

"When it is all done it will be a good-looking building and I want to have it illuminated. I need to get the roof on as soon as possible that's my first priority.

"I expect it will take about a year's work or more altogether."

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