THE future of a Blackburn church is set to be decided at a meeting this month.

St James Church has sent copies of a booklet to members of the congregation entitled ‘Where next?’ before a meeting on Sunday, November 27.

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Options for the church include spending its funds on repairs of up to £250,000, completing urgent work as and when required or potentially joining with another church.

Speaking on behalf of the diocese, the Archdeacon of Blackburn Mark Ireland said: “St James’ Church occupies a very prominent position on the skyline of Blackburn and has been a vibrant centre of mission and ministry since 1873.

“With demographic changes the building is larger than currently needed and its maintenance has become a headache for the current congregation.

“I fully support the vicar, Canon Arun John, in his decision to call the whole congregation to pray about the building’s future and to hold a special service and lunch.

Three options are considered for the church, with the first being to spend its reserves and investment capital on repairs, which would leave a shortfall in its income.

According to financial figures in the report, the church has quotations for repairs to the church varying from £122,000 to £230,000.

Other areas also need attention and the repair costs are likely to be at least £250,000, officials have said.

The second option is to complete urgent work as and when required, but the booklet says this ‘doesn’t address further fabric fatigue which we know will occur as time passes.’ The final option listed is for it to join with another church and share the costs of running the building and relinquish control of St James to redundant churches.

The church is welcoming other options at the special service held later this month.

Cllr Hussain Akhtar, who represents the Shear Brow ward, said: “I like this church, the services are very good.

“It’s important that people enjoy the church.”