A DUDLEY councillor is appealing for residents in Kates Hill to contact him in a last-ditch attempt to save a run-down church.

Councillor Shaukat Ali has been asked by the Church Commission in London to give his opinions on the future of St John's Church and would like to hear what residents think.

Currently the church has high repair costs and because it is not a listed building, it is not entitled to many grants available to other buildings in similar states.

At the moment all services are being held in the church hall, as the church itself cannot be used.

The Parochial Church Council has requested the building be made redundant.

Councillor Ali said: "I know the PCC have been working for a very long time looking at the future of the church, and this is the last resort for them.

"The church has played a big part in many people's lives, including mine.

"I live a few hundred yards to the church and I went to Kates Hill Primary School and we always had our Christmas carol services there.

"I would like to hear other people's views about the church before I have to reply back to the Commission."

People can write to Cllr Ali through Dudley Council or by emailing him at cllr.shaukat.ali@dudley.gov.uk before Monday June 18.