A VICAR today spoke of his decision to quit just days before taking over at a Nelson parish - and blamed a row over its family centre.

The Rev John Riley was due to be instituted at St John's, Barkerhouse Road, and St Philip's, Leeds Road, at a special ceremony today.

But the ceremony was cancelled after Mr Riley decided to withdraw because of an unresolved row over the management of St Philip's Family Centre, Leeds Road.

The Great Marsden parish has been without a vicar for 10 months and will now have to begin looking for a new candidate.

The management of the family centre has been under discussion since former manager Ian Hirst left in November.

The diocese has proposed that the Board of Social Responsibility could take over the running of the centre to provide extra stability, but the proposal has met with some resistance within the parish.

Representatives from both parties are due to meet within the next few weeks to discuss the plans.

Mr Riley's decision was announced to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) on Tuesday night by the Right Rev John Goddard, Bishop of Burnley.

Rev Riley, a former parish priest in Shevington, near Wigan, said: "I accepted the position as vicar of the Parish of St John and St Philip aware that there were issues surrounding the running of St Philip's Family Centre which were of concern to the Blackburn Diocese and the parish leadership. Subsequently these issues grew to include the proposed transfer of the management of the family centre project to the diocese.

"These issues remain unresolved between the diocese and the parish and, without any indication of their immediate resolution, I felt it right, with the full support of the Bishop of Burnley, to withdraw my acceptance of the living.

"This is not an action I have taken lightly. It is a decision I have reached with great sadness.

"Indeed I would like to express my deepest regret at having to make this decision, particularly after being so warmly welcomed and received by so many in the parish and community, and by the local clergy."

The Bishop said: "John Riley is a fine parish priest and it with sadness and yet full agreement that I have accepted his withdrawal from the Living of St John with St Philip, Great Marsden.

"John has, with his family, thought and prayed deeply about the issues facing this parish and in particular those concerned with St Philip's Family Centre.

"He, with great integrity, feeling that he is not the one to resolve these issues, is standing aside from the incumbency.

"I support his decision and I will, with the diocesan staff, be working with the PCC of the parish as we hopefully move forward."

A spokesman for the Blackburn Diocese said: "There have obviously been anxieties over the family centre since Mr Hirst left in November and one of the ways the diocese feels would be helpful to give it added stability would be for the Board of Social Responsibility to take over direct running of the centre."

The PCC issued a statement saying: "We can fully appreciate and understand John's position.

"We acknowledge his bravery in making this decision and at such a late stage and we offer our prayers and support to John and his family now and in his future ministry. The parish remains committed to sharing in God's work in our local community."

A spokesman for the family centre said: "The family centre was looking forward to working with a new minister to strengthen community links and we are sorry to hear that Mr Riley is not taking up the position."

The parish and diocese will now have to begin the process of finding another vicar by drawing up a statement of their needs and considering candidates.

Until the new vicar is found communion services will be held by clergy from neighbouring parishes and prayer services can be carried out by lay readers.