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After three years of running youth clubs, playdays, and additional learning needs sessions from a chapel in Markham, community interest company Salvaged Creations Wales has been told to leave – because they aren’t Christian.

Run by Layton Jones and partner Gemma Baker, and based at Markham Congregational Chapel, they’ve received nothing but praise from those in the area for their work.

However, its future is now at risk having been told they must leave the chapel.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mr Jones said: “It’s been a nightmare honestly. Reverend Nick Holloway came to the chapel two years ago and seemingly had no problem with us being there at first.

“Then all of a sudden we receive a letter in February saying he wants us out. After meeting with him he said this was because we aren’t a ‘Christian charity’.

“We host a youth group once a week, as well as various other community-based sessions, and we also go to schools and run woodwork classes. I’d say we practice Christian values all of the time.”

Mr Jones believes Rev Holloway’s reasoning is in breach of the Equality Act 2010, which states it’s against the law to discriminate against users of public and private services based on religious beliefs.

He continued: “We of course arranged a meeting with Nick, but he told us his decision was final in what turned out to be a shouting match in which he said me and my partner would be ‘going to hell’.

“He also made it clear to us this wasn’t a vote agreed upon by other members of the congregation, but was a personal choice of his.

“We know having spoken to the Congregational Federation that they support our work, but as they’re a separate entity, we can’t take this any further with them.”

When Caerphilly Observer contacted the Congregational Federation and put the comments made by Rev Holloway to them, trust and property manager, Kate Bass, said: “We are aware of the situation at Markham.

“While the church is affiliated, all governance and decisions lie solely with the individual church membership, as is the foundation of congregationalism. We hope a resolution on the matter can be reached for all concerned.”

Mr Jones added: “We had such positive plans for the chapel. We were looking to help raise money for a new roof, we had funding lined-up from Keep Wales Tidy to plant veg in the garden, that’s all stopped.

“It’s also put us in a very difficult spot financially. We obviously can’t afford to rent another unit with rent triple that of our costs now.”

Caerphilly Observer has made several attempts to speak to Rev Holloway, as well as putting accusations made by Mr Jones in writing to him, but has received no response.