A CHURCH facing a repair bill of up to £100,000 is to close its doors amid financial struggles and a dwindling congregation.

A consultation process to close the St Luke's Church Centre, East Bierley, is currently underway after an inspection earlier this year highlighted a number of problems with the building.

They included issues with wet rot and wood worm, concerns about the safety of the electrics and a large crack to the rear of the building, rot issues with a number of the window frames and a need to repoint substantial areas of stonework of the building.

The church has also been told there are a number of areas which need attention on the roof, with a recommendation the building should be reroofed within five years.

Following the inspection, a specialist report was commissioned on the rot, crack and electrics. It's projected that work alone would cost £20,000.

A statement on the church's website says the Parochial Church Council (PCC) met last month and decided with a "heavy heart and much regret" to begin the consultation process to close it, a decision they say was not taken lightly.

The statement says: "We estimate that the total cost of the work required at St Luke’s would be in the £50,000 - £100,000 range which is money that we simply do not have.

"We are struggling with our finances as a parish and are predicting a £30,000 loss this year.

"The likelihood of obtaining grants for this work is exceedingly slim as the building is neither listed or consecrated which is a criteria for many grants."

It adds: "Another factor contributing to our decision was that of sustaining worship at St Luke’s.

"Our ministry team has shrunk considerably over the last few years due to a number of factors beyond our control. This decline is indicative of what is happening across our deanery and Diocese. We know that stipendiary clergy numbers will fall over the next few years and it is likely that our parish will be merged with another one at some point in the not too distant future.

"The Sunday morning congregation at St Luke’s averages around 11 or 12 which will make St Luke’s unsustainable as a church as ministry resources contract.

"The PCC regret having to take this decision but feel that they have no option if they are to maintain the financial viability of the parish."

An open meeting will be held at St Luke's, South View Road, this evening at 7pm to explain the reasons for the proposed closure. It will also be an opportunity for people to share their views and ask any questions.