PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has called for a new use to be found for a prominent Nelson church that has been empty for 24 years.

The historic St Mary’s Church, in Manchester Road, Nelson, was last used for worship in 1987 and has been empty ever since.

Now Mr Stephenson, who raised the future of the church in Parliament last week, is hoping the building, with its 170ft tower and spire, can be put to good use.

He said: “There are a number of unused churches across East Lancashire.

“Every time you drive into Nelson you have a glaring reminder of this.

"It is a fairly substantial building and it is a reminder of another empty building.”

After closing for worship in 1987 the church was sold to private owners in 1989 with plans to use it is as a nursing home.

However, these fell through before the venture had got off the ground.

Mr Stephenson said: “When it was sold the Church Commissioners thought it would have a very successful future.

“But unfortunately the new owners went bankrupt shortly after and the use never happened and now it has fallen into serious disrepair.”

The building is now owned by conservation charity Heritage Trust North West, which is based in Barrowford.

Mr Stephenson said: “I hope they can come up with some use for it.

"It is a crying shame that for two decades it has lain empty.”

No-one was available for comment from the trust.