RESIDENTS are being invited to attend open days to look at plans for Lye and Wollescote Cemetery Chapel.

The historic grade II listed building has been closed since 1993 and has become a target for vandalism.

A planning application submitted by West Midlands Historic Trust, which could see the chapel being used as offices or meeting rooms, with plans to construct a new entrance into the cemetery.

The plans will be on display for people to look at as part of the National Heritage open day initiative, being promoted by the Civic Trust and English Heritage.

Lye and Wollescote Cemetery Chapel in Cemetery Road, Lye will be open on Saturday September 13 from 10.30am till 12.30pm and on Sunday September 14 from noon till 4pm.

Chairman of the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, Alan Smith MBE, said: “These proposals are the culmination of a three year partnership between Dudley Council and the Trust, with a financial support from the Architectural Heritage Fund, the aim is to provide a secure future for this historic chapels building within scheme that is also sympathetic to its location adjoining an operational cemetery.

“We’re hopeful approval will be granted and that all funding can then be confirmed for work to begin next year.”

A decision over an application of £800,000 for funding of the scheme is expected to be announced by the Heritage Lottery Fund by the end of the month.