A CHURCH closed, because of dry rot, could be revived.

Structurally defect Hindsford St Anne's church went out of commission last month and Hindsford parish combined with Atherton.

Now the future of the century-old, 400 seater church alongside Tyldesley Road will be determined by the Church of England's Redundant Churches Committee.

Rector of Atherton, Rev Bill Baldwin told The Journal: "The future of St Anne's is out of our hands now. There are major dry rot problems and the building is not fit for use."

Now Manchester Diocese will have to decide on the future of the Grade 2 listed building and is conferring with local authority planners about possible uses of the site and building.

When it closed St Anne's was attracting a weekly congregation of around 18 worshippers. They have begun attending Atherton Parish Church, although some weeks they meet at St Anne's Vicarage which will eventually house a parish team vicar.

Earlier this year St Anne's was said to need an estimated £100,000 spending on structural repairs but rectifying similar problems at a church in an adjoining parish has cost £250,000.

A Diocesan spokesman said: "The Diocese is looking at alternate uses for the building. If there are any community groups interested they should contact Chris Barratt on 0161 833 9521."

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