AN East Lancashire curate who shares his garden with England international and Manchester United soccer star Phil Neville and his wife (pictured) today announced he was leaving the parish - but stressed: "I've not fallen out with them."

Eric Lomax, who has been curate of St John's Church, Crawshawbooth, and St Mary and All Saints Church, Goodshaw, for the past four years announced the move just days after an article in a national newspaper described an "unholy" row between the two neighbours.

But Mr Lomax, 36, said his decision to quit Rossendale for a parish in York was nothing to do with newly-wed Phil and his wife Julie, who moved in following their wedding in December. He said: "I am moving to York to become vicar of the parish of Copmanthorpe at St Giles Church.

"I've enjoyed my time here and I will be sad to go.

"It's been different living next door to Phil and Julie but it has nothing to do with them.

"A newspaper article said there was a big battle between me and them about access to the vicarage but that is not true."

Phil, 24, and Julie, 22, moved into the former conference centre in Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth, following their star-studded wedding in December.

The vicarage, owned by Manchester Diocese, stands in the mansion's grounds and it is understood that the couple will be given first refusal if the property is to be sold. Mr Lomax, who is married with two children aged eight and four, went on: "I don't know what the diocese is planning to do with the house but I don't think I'm am going to be replaced and I understand whoever owns the main house is entitled to first option on it.

"It would certainly make sense for Phil and Julie to buy this property because it is on their land."

Mr Lomax, who is originally from Birkenhead and due to leave to take up his new post within a couple of months, added: "I don't really follow football so there hasn't been any problems with him playing for Manchester United but it has certainly been interesting having them living next door. They have done an awful lot of work to the place."

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