A SET of eight bells in a historic Anglican church building is to removed.
The Diocese of Blackburn has applied for permission to take them from St James Church, known as the Church Kirk.
The building is now redundant and is in the process of being converted into a community hub.
The bells are to be transferred to St Cuthbert’s in Over Kellet near Lancaster, if Hyndburn planners grant permission for their removal from the building in St James Road, Church.
Another older and rarer Flemish bell is to be kept at the Church Kirk which was built in stages between 1148 and 1860.
Supporting statements for the application for listed building consent say: "There is currently no general public access to the church bells because the existing access is by means of a narrow spiral staircase in which the treads are very uneven and hazardous.
"It would be dangerous and a serious risk to health and safety to encourage greater access to the bells in their current position.
"There appears to be no likelihood of the bells being rung again for public worship as the church is now closed, and it would be better if the bells could be re-located to another parish church where they can be put to their original purpose.
"The bells at Church Kirk St James were not designed specifically for this church, and are a relatively recent introduction.
"Their relocation to another parish church within the Diocese of Blackburn would entail no loss to the significance of the heritage."
The current 'Warner' bells were introduced to the Church Kirk in 1991 after its previous set was damaged beyond repair in a 1983 fire.
The supporting statements say: "It is evident the trust proposing to adapt the building for community use do not wish to retain them for ringing.
"Instead, they envisage converting the ringing room of the tower into a café.
"A new home for the bells is available at St Cuthbert’s in Over Kellet.
"It will be seen that the present Warner bells at Church Kirk were not cast for St James and have been there for only 30 years.
"The 1537 Flemish bell, on the other hand, has a long association with St James' and it is appropriate that it should be retained there.
"If the eight ringing bells are transferred to Over Kellet they will continue to contribute to church life.
"They will be in a place where they are wanted, rather than hidden away where nobody can see or hear them."
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