A HISTORIC church could be transformed into a community centre to safeguard its future.

The congregation at Read United Reformed Church in East View is dwindling in numbers and have approached both the village's and neighbouring Simonstone's parish councils to help maintain it for future generations.

The building, which was constructed in the 19th Century, is already used for community groups and as a polling station.

A total of £100 has been put forward by the council in Simonstone to undertake a survey of the building to see if any work needs to be done ahead of a potential transfer of ownership.

Chairman Cllr David Peat said: "It's too early to say who would take on the ownership of the building.

"It's very important that we try and keep it for community use and we are happy to help alongside Read Parish Council.

"The building would be a shared resource for both villages.

"It's also too early to say whether the congregation would stay there or move to another church."

A decision for a community group to take on the building has not yet been made.

The minutes from a recent Simonstone Parish Council meeting reads: "The result of a recent meeting was a feasibility study should be arranged.

"In order for this to take place and to attract funding from various sources it was necessary that a properly working committee be formed to deal with the project."