A CHURCH in Farnworth, which is closing down due to the falling number of worshippers, looks set to go up for sale.

The final formalities are under way for All Saints Church in Devon Street to be formally declared redundant by the Church of England commissioners.

Barring any last-minute objections, the Farnworth church building will become available for another use.

It could be sold for housing or taken up by another group within the community.

Once made redundant, the church will no longer remain a consecrated building, although the land stays hallowed forever.

High maintenance costs, together with a fall in the number of worshippers, have been blamed for the church's demise, and despite efforts by the congregation to keep it open, churchgoers have been forced to admit defeat.

The church's final services are likely to be held in September.

James Davidson-Brett, Church Commissioner, is responsible for drawing up the draft scheme that will see the church declared redundant.

He said: "When the church was built, there were traditionally lots of churchgoers and the building was at the centre of the community.

"But this is sadly not the case today and the church doesn't want to be lumbered with a building that is costing money."

THE doors of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church at Hindsford, Atherton will close on August 7.

The future of Sacred Heart has been in the balance for several years. Dwindling congregations and costly building repairs, plus the difficulties of having two priests reponsible for five parishes, have brought about the closure.