AMBITIOUS plans to modernise St Andrew's Church, Leyland, have hit a stumbling block after English Heritage raised objections to some of the plans.

The conservation group believes certain parts of the £300,000 Vision Builders project would be to the detriment of the Grade II listed building, in Church Road.

It is objecting to the removal of four pews from one chapel inside the church, which dates back to 1220, to create a raised platform, and the removal of a bay from one of the galleries.

But church bosses claim the whole scheme would be ruined if English Heritage get their way. A spokesman said: "The elements in dispute are very important to the whole modernisation programme."

A special church court will decide whether the work can continue this Saturday (March 20).

Prayers will be said in the church at 9am on Saturday, ahead of the 10am hearing, in the hope church leaders may agree with parishioners.

An English Heritage spokesman said: "We are happy for other parts of the scheme, including the creation of a Christian bookshop and a creche.

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