AN ARTIST'S impression of how a proposed new church in Pendle will look has been unveiled.

The new St John's Church would be built on the site of the former church and adjacent school in Barkerhouse Road, Nelson.

A planning application for the worship centre is due to be discussed by Pendle Council's Nelson area committee in June. Plans show a modern building capable of meeting the needs of the congregation and the wider community.

As well as a spacious worship area the church would have two large meeting rooms and a car park.

The project is estimated at £400,000 and the Vicar of St John's, which has merged with the neighbouring parish of St Philip's, the Reverend Stewart Hartley, is hopeful the new church will be open by next Easter.

"It is a very exciting project and the new church will provide an excellent place of worship," he said.

Church members are almost half way towards their target of raising £100,000 as their contribution towards the building cost. They currently worship in the nearby Williams Hall community centre and St Philip's.

The former church was demolished last year after major structural faults were discovered.

The artist's impression and plans will be on display at St Philip's during this Sunday's service.

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