The building became structurally unsafe and was closed in 1976 following the erection of a new Parish Hall at the rear of the Church. As the building was Grade II listed the Council wanted to see it restored but lacked the finance to offer a grant to pay for its repair.

By 1978 the Council changed course and wanted it demolished but the Department of the Environment disagreed. There were two attempts by vandals to burn it down in 1979 and 1980. Following this two local business men provided finance and together with grant aid (now available) it was restored and opened in 1981 as a restaurant. It changed hands in 1998 and is well known as Amigo's, but has since changed hands again, becoming Santa Lucia.