Stacking chairs could replace church pews

St Anne's Church is facing opposition over the proposals from some of its congregation and historians.

But church leaders say the move will allow them to make the building available for community use on a more regular basis and create more space. The Reverend Vivienne Hatton said it would widen the space inside the building and give better access for disabled people and groups.

She said: "The church fellowship identified the need for change and after speaking to community groups, the plans have been well received. We want to widen the space inside the church. Our aim is to have the building used by the whole community and not just churchgoers.

"A few people have expressed concern but I want to re-assure them that we are not removing the pews completely. We are simply moving them elsewhere in the church."

But churchgoers and residents claim the pews are an important part of the church and should not be tampered with.

Local historian Sam Whitehouse said there had originally been pews to seat 500 people, but half were removed in the 1980s.

"It is an exceptional building and quite remarkable. It was built for the miners in 1865 so it is a little piece of history, so to have all the pews removed would be a real shame.

"The proposal to keep a few truncated pews in the south isle is a pathetic sop and an insult to the vision of those who created this remarkable building in a true Christian spirit for the ordinary working miner," he said.

Mr Whitehouse added he hoped that at least half of the remaining pews would be kept in place, but said there should have been a public consultation.

The decision will be made by the church on October 5.