AN historic town centre church has gone up for sale for £400,000 and is likely to be converted into flats, it has been announced.

Cannon Street Baptist Church in Accrington has been disused for more than 18 months.

The Grade II listed building dates back to 1874 and is opposite the derelict Conservative Club.

Now the property, which was once one of the most thriving churches in the town, has been offered for sale The sandstone and slate church has stood empty since late 2006 after closing because of rising maintenance costs.

Planning permission has been granted for 16 apartments to be created inside the church.

Bury-based Y and Y Developments is selling the building and said an apartment plan would transform the building from its current "dilapidated" state.

The company also said that the development would have a catalyst effect on the rest of the area.

A spokesman said: "The church is in a poor state of repair. A conversion will safeguard the building in the long term.

"Not only will it bring significant regeneration for the church itself but it will benefit the local people and visitors. It will have wide-ranging benefits for the town."

Cannon Street Baptist Church opened in March 1874 at a cost of £12,000. All the money for the construction came from collections and fund raising events.

When it closed in 2006 it merged with Christchurch, off Manchester Road.

Rev Kevin Logan, from Christchurch, said the closure allowed the two churches to combine resources.

Rev Logan said: "The baptist church was one of the top churches in Accrington at one time but these things change.

"The decision was taken to sell the building and it now has a new future."

A recent report into the church by Hyndburn Council's planning department found that the building had suffered from "significant internal damage" and could be a target for vandalism if regeneration work is not carried out.