St Helens Road Methodist Church, in Middle Hulton, looks set to undergo a £500,000 transformation after plans were submitted to Bolton Council.

It is hoped the project will get teenagers off the streets and put a stop to the damage that has been blighting the church for the last 12 months.

Yobs regularly throw stones, smashing church windows, and rip slates off the roof. The damage has caused water to leak through the ceiling and the building to fall into disrepair.

A protective fence was erected six months ago to stop youths trespassing on the premises.

The plans could see the church entrance extended and the hall made into an L-shape. The floor will be raised to improve disabled access.

A luncheon club and dancing club could be held at the centre, along with activities for youngsters such as badminton and five-a-side football.

The church has obtained a £120,000 grant from the district church. And, despite the Methodist Church being opposed to gambling, they have got permission to apply for lottery funding.

The building is already falling into disrepair after damage led to water leaking through the roof.

embarked on a funding programme and

More than 150 church members go to the church, along with various club members, including choirs and slimmers' groups.

Proposals to demolish the existing church hall, known as the Lower School, were rejected after it emerged the bill would amount to over £1 million.

Church member Olwen Baker said: "There are lot of young people round here who are not sure what they want to do with their time. We want to give them something to do.

"There is a desperate need for a community centre in the area. The church is growing so we need a lot more space."

Bert Millington, a parishoner, said: "This community centre is badly needed. Some of the area's unruly elements have nowhere to go."

The church has suffered at the hands of vandals in the past when it came under siege from teenage firebugs who attacked the 105-year-old building three years ago.

The church was set alight after carpets and bins were piled against the door.

COMMUNITY SCHEME: Ralph Kleeli, head steward, helped secure the funding to transform St Helens Road Methodist Church