THE future of one of Bury's oldest Anglican places of worship has come under the political spotlight.

Keen historian and local MP David Chaytor still hopes that St Paul's CE Church in Parsonage Street can have a bright future.

Mr Chaytor joined the vicar, the Rev Clive Duxbury, in touring the old building which was closed four years ago because dry rot made it unsafe.

Mr Chaytor, who was brought up in the parish, has a long-standing interest in old churches.

"It's a tragedy that over the last quarter of a century we have lost so many important historical buildings, often because of the decline in congregations," he said.

Mr Chaytor said he would do all he could to help if the Church were to seek Lottery money or cash from the Government.

"I would be first in line to oppose any plans to demolish it," he said. "Buildings like this are not just about the local congregation but the wider community, they are part of our cultural heritage."

The listed building has stood empty for four years after being declared officially redundant.

Dry rot and other structural problems, which might cost £200,000 to correct, meant it was unsafe to use. Since then, worshippers have been using the school hall at nearby St Paul's CE Primary School. The landmark building was consecrated in 1841 and was built between 1838 and 1842 in the revived Early Gothic style on land donated by the 13th Earl of Derby.

It was designed by John Harper of York, who also designed All Saints in Elton and St Marie's in Manchester Road, Bury.

The church has undergone many alterations over the years. It was sandblasted in 1973 and the graveyard landscaped over. The following decade saw a restoration campaign launched to combat structural problems.

Bury councillors recently approved outline plans to build a replacement parish church in part of the school playground.

The St Paul's vicar said he learned of Mr Chaytor's interest in churches when he was a guest during the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit to the church last autumn.

Mr Duxbury said negotiations were taking place over the future of the old building involving the Diocese of Manchester, the Church Commissioners and Bury Council.

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