A CHURCH in Upper Gornal is set for closure as half a million pounds is needed to be spent on repair work.

St Peter's Church on Kent Street has been battling closure since 2018 and is now in the final stage of consultation to close for public worship.

A hefty sum of £500,000 would need to be spent on the historic building to make it fit for use.

In a public notice, the Church Commissioners Office said: "The church building is of limited significance and felt to be low priority for grant funding; the PCC [Parochial Church Council] would see an investment into the church hall becoming a multi-purpose space for both worship and community activity as a more sustainable base for mission."

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Worcester said: “Following discussions with the local community since 2018, we are currently in the final formal consultation process to close St Peter’s Church for public worship.

"The building is in need of significant work costing at least £500,000 and the congregation is not able to afford this repair bill.

"Worship has already been taking place in the church hall for a number of years, with this space shared with the community.

"If the building is closed, there will then be a further consultation on the future use of the building and the site.

"These plans do not affect the churchyard, which is maintained by Dudley Borough Council.”

The congregation of St Peter's have already been using the church hall as a place of worship in the Winter months as the church building is too cold for use.

Councillor for Upper Gornal and Woodsetton, Cllr Adam Aston said:"Obviously it is disappointing that the church building is due for closure however the congregation will still meet in the church hall which is a much newer building and some money will be spent to renovate the hall to make it suitable for worship.

"Even if the church building which is 150 years old closes it must not be demolished, a use must be found for it. It is the most attractive building in upper Gornal.

"I will support St. Peters in their new home in the church hall."

Anyone who wants to make a representation for or against the closure of the church is urged to do so before June 28.