A CHURCH which is facing closure is to remain open for at least another year.

Salford Diocese announced, in 2003, that St Peter and Paul's church, in Pilkington Street, Bolton, would close as part of a regional shake-up. The move was attributed to fewer priests and changing congregations although no timescale was given.

But it has now been revealed that the building - one of the oldest Catholic churches in the town - will remain open for at least another 12 months.

St Peter and Paul's priest, Father John McNamara, has been in talks with the Bishop of Salford, Terence Brain, and has requested that he be allowed to remain at the church to celebrate 50-years in the priesthood, in summer 2008. He received assurance from the Diocese that the church would not be closed before then.

Father McNamara, who has been the priest there for 12 years, said: "I wanted to see out my golden jubilee with this congregation and celebrate with them. I've been told that is possible but the church will still face closure after that."

The church was built 200 years ago and the parish itself was established in 1794. Other churches in the town have been earmarked for amalgamation as part of the shake-up.

Father Michael Walsh, communications officer for Salford Diocese, said: "There's an ongoing review of the needs of the Diocese. We have to face the future, in light of changing parishes and congregations and the availability of clergy. Priests are working with the bishop to resolve the problems. The future of St Peter and Paul's is under discussion."