RESIDENTS of a Selby village have hit out after finding they could be financially responsible for repairs to a local church.

Stephen Penn was one of several Barlow residents to receive a notice from the Land Registry from the St Wilfrid’s Parish Church Parocial Church Council (PCC) regarding Chancel Repair Liability.

Chancel Repair Liability dates back to when people bought land taken from monasteries, and took over the duty to help repair their local church. Although the land has changed hands since, the duty to help repair the church has often stayed in force, as in Barlow.

Mr Penn said: “It is unacceptable that a totally unelected body, unless you happen to be a member of that church, can demand an unlimited tax on certain property owners whether or not they subscribe to the views of the Church of England. These bullies should be reminded that they live in the 21st century.”

Mr Penn said 65 residents had received similar letters from the PCC, and said the church council had refused his request to discuss the issue with them.

Geoff Mook, of Park Lane, said: “To say I am angry is a massive understatement. To receive a notice with no prior warning of the ressurection of a medieval feudal law that has no place in todays society beggars belief.”

Eleanor Course, communications officer with the Diocese of York, said the letters were sent out because the Government wanted to change the law and to let people know that they could potentially use the system in the future, but residents may never be called upon to help fund repairs.

She said: “Local PCCs are now in a difficult position. They cannot legally let the right to claim that help for repair lapse, because they are automatically trustees of the local church, and the right is an asset that belongs to the trust.

“Sometimes the landowner is a centuries-old institution that has always known it holds the liability. But sometimes the owners are now private householders, and some are understandably unhappy to be told or reminded that they hold liability.

“At some future stage, if repairs are actually needed, the PCC will need to decide whether it is going to put its right to collect contributions into effect. It will take a number of factors into account, including the amount that is involved.”