A former church described as "the hub of the community" is set to be knocked down and replaced with a shop.

The 136-year-old Bolton Rd United Reformed Church in Darwen closed in October 2019 because of falling congregations and financial problems.

Thistlewood Properties Ltd now wants to demolish the building and replace it with a convenience store.

At the final service at the church, rebuilt in 1959, retired URC minister the Rev Lena Talbot, 71, who was christened in the church and attended as a child, told the 100-strong congregation that it had been 'the hub of the community' from the 1960s to 1980s.

Thistlewood Properties Ltd has submitted a planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council for the demolition of the building at the corners of Bolton Road with Ashleigh Street and Northcote Street and its replacement with a single storey shop.

Supporting documents say: "The application site is previously developed land to the south of Darwen town centre.

"The now vacant building dates back to 1959 but closed in October 2019 and has since sat vacant.

"The application proposes the demolition of the existing building and erection of a convenience store with associated parking provision.

"The proposed building is single-storey in height, with stone walls to three elevations, including the frontage to Bolton Road, together with feature cladding. The rear elevation is to be finished in a light grey render.

"The car parking area provides 14 customer spaces, one of which being a disabled bay.

"The entrance to the store is located adjacent to the car park.

"The building has been designed with a contemporary commercial appearance, fit for its purpose and function.

"Other United Reformed Churches continue to operate in the locality - Darwen Central, Tockholes and Lower Darwen.

"The decision to dispose of the site for development was taken by URC’s North-Western Synod.

"The property was marketed by Lamb and Swift, commercial estate agents. It is understood that no offers were made for worship or other community use.

"The opportunity now exists to create a new neighbourhood convenience store, occupied by a national operator, which will continue to serve the community by meeting the day-to-day food and other shopping needs of local residents.

"There are no suitable sites, or vacant properties, which can accommodate the proposed development."