A FORMER Gwynedd church is to be sold off on the open market if new blood cannot be attracted to keep the famous landmark in the hands of the region.

For the last 30 years, the former St Mary’s Church in Tremadog has been managed by a registered charity, Cyfeillion Cadw Tremadog.

“We have been extremely lucky to have had such loyal and industrious officials and trustees over the years,” said the group’s present chair, Dewi Williams.

“But the time has come to make a change and enrol younger board members to build on the strong foundation already laid by the present and former trustees.”

The charity is appealing to those who have an interest in the history of Tremadog to join the board as a trustee or a committee member.

It is is especially anxious to enlist a charity secretary – a responsibility that’s been pivotal to the success of Cyfeillion Cadw Tremadog.

The role has now been vacated due to the retirement of Francis Voelkner, who had been in post since the charity’s original registration in 1991.

Dewi added: “Unfortunately, there has been little or no interest in the roles advertised, even though the post of secretary attracts an attractive remuneration package.

“As it’s illegal to run a charity without the proper officials and trustees, we have reached a crossroad where we have no option but to sell off our assets and dissolve the charity.”

St Mary’s Church was built 220 years ago as part of William Alexander Madocks’ planned township following his building of the Porthmadog Cob.

As well as its prominent pointed steeple and clock tower, the church is also renowned for its Coadstone Gateway.

When it became redundant as a place of worship, Cyfeillion Cadw Tremadog came to the fore and have kept the building in good repair ever since.

Presently, it is leased to the Ffestiniog Railway Company as a travel call centre.