LYTHAM'S St Cuthbert's Church may soon be transformed following the announcement of a number of planning possibilities.

A series of consultations involving parishioners about the way forward will start on September 14.

However, the church announced it would be mindful not to harm any of its heritage if and when work begins.

An initial study outlined development possibilities for the church hall with priority being given to the needs of young people, uniformed organisations, seminar rooms or an administrative centre.

Now, after an architect was drafted in to make sketches, the meeting will decide which project will be given the green light.

In addition, the consultative meeting will also discuss the possibility of building a new vicarage.

The vicar, Canon Godfrey Hirst, said: "We are responsible for buildings, property and land other than the church itself and want to cater for the diverse social needs of our community in a comfortable way.

"This project is forward-looking and yet able to meet the needs of the present. It deserves our support with faith and finance.

"Rather than harming any part of Lytham's heritage, it is putting energy and resources into a development programme for people today and in the future."

Spokesman for the Blackburn diocese Martyn Halsall said: "This is very good news. The church has already made a number of improvements to the church interior which have proved to be very successful.

"Now the parish is looking to the future by looking at how other parts of the church could be enhanced."

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