THE Salvation Army is to temporarily wind up activities in Atherton - but is planning to restart from scratch in June.

Divisional leaders feel a new approach is needed in the area and they are taking time out to reflect on the position of the Atherton and Tyldesley Corps which merged three years ago in Atherton when the 112-year-old hall in Lime Street, Tyldesley, closed.

Current members of the congregation will be welcomed at Leigh and Wigan, or other established churches, while new plans are considered.

The second upheaval has caused upset among members who remained loyal when the Tyldesley hall moved to newer premises in Atherton in March 2001.

At the time many members refused to move and joined Tyldesley Methodist Church.

A spokesperson said: "They made a bad decision when they closed Tyldesley and have created a lot of upset over the years."

Divisional commander Major Chick Yuill said: "The Salvation Army has at its core a desire to support and be available to the local community. It was felt we needed a fresh approach in the area.

By starting again we feel we would be able to build a congregation and create a ministry that will effectively serve the local community."