THE future of a closed rural church looks set to be secured in the coming weeks.

A local man is currently in the process of buying the United Reformed Church in Newton-in-Bowland for a sum in excess of the £150,000 asking price.

The building, which sits at the centre of the small village, has been closed for around two years after serving the community since it was constructed in 1887.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Villagers have been talking about the future of the building since it closed its doors and rumours have been flying around that it could be transformed into a library.

After being placed on the open market almost a year ago the property has attracted a lot of interest and saw eight separate bids submitted for consideration.

Estate agents Mortimers, which is managing the sale, has said that it received up to 15 statements of interest since it was put up for sale and that there are a number of people who would be interested in buying the old church if the current deal falls through.

The building, which was extended in 1908 to form a Sunday school and a kitchen, is being sold by The United Reformed Church (North Western Province) Trust Ltd.

Among the rumours of what the church will be used for once a deal has been struck is that it will be converted into a library.

The village’s parish priest, Revd George Darby, said: “I have heard from many people that this is what the buyer is seeking to do.

“What we do not know is if it will be open for the public or who will run it.

“Whatever happens it’s good that such a prominent building is going to be used for something and not just left to rot away.

“We do not know the exact details of what the building is going to be used for but it’s positive that it could be used by the community.”

Stosie Maddie, who is the chef patron at the nearby Parkers Arms, said: “I think that anything that brings more life to the village is a good thing.

“It would be great for the village if something is done to use the building because it is in such a central location in the village.

“It would be quite tragic if nothing was to be done with it.”