VILLAGERS in a community near Thirsk have been told they could be made financially responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the village church.
Homeowners in Felixkirk were informed if their properties were on former monastic land they would be required to pay Chancel Repair Liability because of a law dating back to the Tudor period.
Mike and Terry Shipley received a letter from Felixkirk Parochial Church Council telling them their property fell within the boundary and at some point they could be forced to pay towards the costs of St Felix Church.
The Venerable Paul Ferguson, the Archdeacon of Cleveland, said local church councils were in a difficult position, but Felixkirk had followed official guidance.
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