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 to be held at the church on Wednesday, January 25, starting at 7.30pm.

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

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."