Cradley Heath church being torn down marking end of almost two centuries of worship

Workmen have arrived at St Luke's Church in Cradley Heath to begin the process of demolishing the building and mark the end of an era.

Queen Victoria had only been on the throne for 10 years when St Luke's was built, while Abraham Lincoln would not become President for another 14 years.

But, after almost 170 years, the church on High Street is now being razed to the ground.

It is a controversial move and a sore point for many in the community, but the building is being brought down for safety reasons.

Crucial repairs to enable the building to stay standing would have cost £750,000, the sort of money which just couldn't be raised.

The church closed in October 2014 due to its declining condition. The congregation has found a new home at St John's Church, in Dudley Wood.

Despite the demolition of the church, the footprint of the building will remain and be turfed over to provide a community space where people can sit next to the graveyard.

Archdeacon of Dudley, Nikki Groarke said: "While it is always sad when a building has to be demolished for safety reasons, we know that in reality the church is the people, not the bricks and mortar."

Vicar of Dudley Wood and Cradley Heath, Alicia Baker, said: "People have obviously felt very sad to lose St. Luke's but have been very understanding when the reasons have been explained.

"Lots of people walk through the graveyard on their way to and from the town centre, so having the green space will make it a pleasant area for all."

Hundreds of people took the opportunity to say goodbye to the church at an open day