A PARISH church could have to close after 146 years because of money problems.

Holy Trinity Church in Prestolee has been recommended for closure by the Parochial Church Council.

However, some parishioners will oppose the move at a public meeting called for Wednesday, January 25.

They fear the process is a formality and claim the decision to close Holy Trinity, instead of its sister church, Saint Saviour in Fold Road, Ringley, has been rushed through.

It is thought that if Holy Trinity does close, the site could be used for housing.

Both Holy Trinity and St Saviour, which is five years older, have congregations of around 30 each Sunday.

The Rev Tony Roache, who runs both churches said: "It's a desperately sad situation but the parish is facing huge financial difficulties and we need to plan for the future.

"The PCC voted by a majority to recommend the church's closure. We're now going to hold a public meeting to assess the views of people in the parish and these will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities who will make the final decision.

"A huge amount of money has been spent on Holy Trinity over the years but the building is in a state of disrepair and it would cost around half a million pounds to put right.

"Holy Trinity doesn't have a churchyard so it would be a good prospect for a housing development.

"However it is a grade two listed building so getting permission to demolish it could be problematic. If the decision is taken to close the church we could be talking about the end of 2007."

The public meeting to discuss the fate of Holy Trinity will be held at the church on January 25, starting at 7.30pm.