PARISHIONERS have condemned vandals who pelted a priest's car with stones.

Father Philip Boast was leaving St Joseph's Church, Stacksteads, about 8pm on Saturday when the attack happened.

Fr Boast, who was taking a parishioner home following Mass, was leaving his driveway in Huttock End Lane.

The incident left the front and side windows of the green Nissan Micra smashed, and several dents in the car. Fr Boast and the passenger were badly shaken.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Today life-long parishioner and Stacksteads councillor Michael McShea said: "This was an absolutely appalling incident. There has been trouble at the church for some time which has put the priest under a great deal of strain.

"This was an outrageous thing to happen and the community has had enough. We will deal closely with police to try and put a stop to incidents like this and to take swift and decisive action against the perpetrators."

Community beat manager Nick Stratton said: "This was an appalling incident and we would urge anyone with information or who witnessed this to get to touch."

Two years ago vandals smashed a number of windows including four made of stained glass.

Fr Boast is soon expected to move to Newchurch after the early retirement, and subsequent death, of Fr Gerard Duffy. His move comes as part of a major re-organisation of Roman Catholic parishes and deaneries. A number of parish closures and amalgamations are proposed as the number of parish priests reaches crisis point.

St Joseph's is expected to close, although no final decision has been made by the Bishop of Salford, the Rt Rev Terence Brain.

Councillors are set to meet with parishioners and residents on Thursday at Stacksteads Drop-in Centre to put forward ideas to save the Huttock End Lane church from demolition.

Father Michael Walsh, spokesman for the Salford Diocese, which covers Stacksteads, said: "This is deplorable. It is obviously a concern when priests or anyone else is subjected to incidents like this. Thankfully Fr Boast and his passenger were unhurt."

Anyone with information about the latest attack should call 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.