It's last rites as 170-year-old Black Country church to be demolished
A church in the Black Country, which was forced to close due to a six-figure restoration bill, will be knocked down under new plans.
St Luke's Church, in Cradley Heath, closed after almost 170 years of worship last October because of escalating repair costs, estimated at £750,000.
The congregation at St Luke's, in High Street, moved their services to St John's Church, in Dudley Wood, after the closure.
The Reverend Alicia Baker today said it was disappointing that the church had to be demolished but said there was little alternative.
She hoped that the land, including the churchyard, would not be lost for public use.
"It is a shame to see it that way but in the same way the church was unable to fund the repairs work, it has also been impossible to find anyone else to use it who have the money to do it up," she said.
"It could have been a concert hall, if there had been the need in Cradley Heath for it, as it had really good acoustics.
"If the site could be used as a community garden that could be a real positive."
The Archdeacon of Dudley, Nikki Groarke said: "Every parish is responsible for the care and maintenance of their own church building.
"In this instance, the Parochial Church Council of Dudley Wood and Cradley Heath decided that sadly it was beyond their economic means to repair and maintain the vast St Luke's Church.
"The worshipping community continues at St. John's, Dudley Wood, and the Diocese supported the parish in their application for the closure of St. Luke's.
"After seeking professional advice, demolition has been agreed as the best course of action, so that the site can revert to churchyard use and continue to be a place of prayer and tranquillity for the local community."
The Rev Baker said that the move to the new church had been positive.
Church members also set up Cradley Heath Community Link centre, also in High Street, where a range of social activities and support are now held.
Proposals for the church's demolition have been submitted to Sandwell Council's planning department.
A final decision on whether to grant the application will be taken in the coming weeks.
