CONCERNS have been raised over a ‘danger’ abandoned church in Stacksteads.

Waterbarn Baptist Church, a Grade II listed building in Brandwood Road, has deteriorated since its congregation met there for the final time in May 2010.

After its roof caved in last October, a wall surrounding the graveyard outside the church has also collapsed, leading to calls for its absent owners to act.

Located beside Stacksteads Cricket Club’s former ground at Waterbarn Recreation Centre, the church was built in 1847 and became listed in 1984 before closing in 2010 due to dwindling attendances.

Ron Ashworth, the cricket club’s league representative, said the abandoned church was ‘dangerous’.

He added: “A number of graves are exposed to the diminishing structures.

“It’s dangerous for children who play at the site and something needs to be done.”

Rossendale Council said that while it had certain responsibilities towards listed buildings, it was in a difficult situation because the owner is believed to be in Switzerland.

A spokesman said: “The liability for the upkeep of the building is entirely that of the owner.

“It is a very sensitive and tricky site and clearly has become quite an eyesore. It is collapsing slowly and in a dilapidated state, but with an absent owner it is difficult to keep communication ongoing.”

Stacksteads councillor Christine Lamb said that although building control officers regularly assessed the church’s safety, ‘it looks very bad’.

She said: “The sooner something is done the better but we haven’t forgotten about the building.

"It’s a shame it looks the way it does but the legal side of things is very difficult. It’s sad really.”