IN common with many residents of the Parish of Elton, members of PASE (Preservation of All Saints, Elton) read with deep regret the news that the church is to be declared redundant.

The news comes as no surprise to this organisation, which for the past five years has been fighting to preserve it as a centre of parochial worship.

Our committee is very conscious that over this time much harm has been done to the unity of the parish. It will be recalled that PASE warned, as early as 1994, that the proposal to close All Saints would drive a coach-and-horses through any ideas of parish unity. This is precisely what has occurred.

The PCC has taken much stick for all this. Some of it, however, is unfair and PASE wishes to acknowledge this. It is now clear that it is the diocese, and not the PCC, who must accept most of the responsibility.

The PCC has been instructed to declare pastoral redundancy, as was spelt out in a recent issue of the parish magazine. Conflicting reasons are given: that the expenses would be too great; the running costs would be unrealistic; the church is not in the geographic centre. We feel it is this last issue that has been the main motivating factor.

Neither PASE nor the PCC wish to see these divisions deepen. Moreover, further action on our part to attempt to restore All Saints Church to its former status will have the inevitable consequence of a further deterioration in the church fabric. If action had been taken in 1994 it is likely that repairs could have been undertaken at a fraction of the cost.

What we find nauseating, however, are the statements on record from the diocese expressing contentment at the fact that disaffected All Saints parishioners have found new spiritual homes. Let there be no mistake, many have ceased church attendance altogether.

PASE welcomes the statements made by the borough planning officer about the historic and architectural importance of All Saints. Moreover, in the near future joint meetings will be held between the PCC and PASE regarding the future of the building.

It would be wonderful if, on this issue, the parish could speak with one voice. And if the borough planning authorities endorse the suggestions it would be even more wonderful. But it will be down to the Diocesan Pastoral Committee to endorse these proposals, as it is the diocese which, following redundancy, will take on this responsibility.

We all hope that the diocese will heed the opinions that emerge from this joint meeting, and that the church of All Saints will continue its life both in its character as a consecrated building and in its function of being of communal and social benefit to the whole of Bury.

JOHN H. HOPE,

hon. president, PASE

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