The minister of a north Wales chapel has denied claims it closed its doors without sufficient warning to the congregation.

Members of Salem Chapel at Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd in Denbighshire have been left devastated after a decision was made to shut the building due to spiralling costs.

We had costs here and we were unable to face those costs

Reverend John Owen

The chapel needs a �6,000 revamp but the Vale of Clwyd Presbytery ruled the bill could not be met and the site would have to be sold.

Members claim that not enough was done to explore other options before the church was closed.

However, Salem Chapel Minister Reverend John Owen, has insisted the congregation were fully consulted.

"I can't understand the congregations criticism," he said.

"We had costs here and we were unable to face those costs.

"It's a sad situation but we had to face reality."

The closure upset local residents

The Rev John Owen claims members of the church were asked for their opinion before the final service at the chapel two months ago on 24 March.

"There was a democratic vote among the faithful of the chapel that they wanted to unite with the Tabernacle chapel."

The Tabernacle has more than 200 members and would mean worshippers having to travel to Ruthin to attend a religious service.

Locals are upset by the news and have raised concerns about the future of the graveyard at the chapel.

Dewi Roberts said it is a horrible situation: "It's really sad, I have spent all my life as a member here, once they made the decision to close the chapel it all happened very quickly.

Hard feeling

"The members are disillusioned and have split in all directions."

Fears have arisen in surrounding villages that other small chapels, not seen as financially viable, could close.

Mr Roberts added: "I just don't feel that enough was done to explore other options including joining other chapels.

"We were shut down very abruptly."

Reverend Owen admits it is a difficult time: "One understands the hard feeling, it's difficult for anybody to move from a chapel where they have worshipped over the years."

The building will now be sold to the highest bidder.