THE Bishop of Burnley has received sinister threats following a row over the closure of an historic church.

The Rt Rev John Goddard said that the two telephone threats, prompted by the decision to close the church which houses the Accrington Pals memorial chapel, had been 'very unpleasant.'

But he said that they were from 'over-excited' people and played down the danger he was in.

The threats, which warned Bishop Goddard to wear protective clothing, came after it was announced that St John's Church, Accrington, will close permanently.

The threats were received at the bishop's office at Dean House, Padiham Road, Burnley.

There have been protests since the 143-year-old church, which houses a chapel commemorating the local soldiers who perished in the First World War, was condemned last month because of a £300,000 repair bill.

The threats came in phone calls before an open day event at the Addison Street church on Saturday.

It was a last chance for parishioners to look around the building and there was a short service.

Parishioners said prayers for the Bishop at the event because of the threats.

Bishop Goddard, who is due to ratify the closure, said: "I had an over excited person on the phone who made very unpleasant threats.

"He told me that I would have to wear protective clothing if I arrived at the church.

"He said I was to expect harm at the service."

He said that he ignored the threats and did not even notify the police but they urged anyone who is threatened in such a way to contact them.

Bishop Goddard said: "I am saddened that someone felt they had to make such threats but I didn't take them seriously. I take the mission of Christ seriously.

"I will not let one or two people, who I am sure are not from the church, threaten to injure me.

"I deal with such threats and bullying with contempt."

Bishop Goddard is one of the most senior figures in the Blackburn diocese, which covers the Lancashire area.

He has responsibility for the east of the county, including Accrington.

He said that at the open day he was met with a lot of upset parishioners.

He said: "Some are obviously saddened but they are courteous.

"They know that the decision is one that is being taken carefully with a lot of consideration and consultation."

The decision to close has been made by the church council along with vicar The Rev Ian Robertson.

The church council is now looking for a new building and is currently worshipping at the chapel in St Christopher's School in Queen's Road West, Accrington.

Insp Damian Darcy said: "Bishop Goddard has not reported the threats but we would urge anyone who is the victim of threats to contact the police so they can be investigated."