SHOCKED councillors are demanding a rethink over controversial plans to close a Keighley church.

They have written to Roman Catholic diocesan chiefs urging them to reconsider their decision to shut Our Lady of Victories and amalgamate the congregation with St Anne’s.

Councillor Cath Bacon and town council member Ian Dermondy have both condemned the closure.

They say many of the 170-plus parishioners would struggle to get from the Guard House area of the town to St Anne’s Church instead for Sunday morning services.

“The buses on that route don’t start running until after 11am on Sundays and then people would face a walk from the bus station to the church – and for anyone who is elderly or infirm that is quite a distance,” said Cllr Dermondy.

“Unless the service times at St Anne’s are changed or free transport is provided for those who need it, many people will excluded from being able to worship.

“I was deeply saddened to hear that Our Lady of Victories is closing its doors.

“It is at the heart of the community and will be greatly missed.

“Many people have worshipped there for a long time and this is a massive wrench for them.”

Cllr Bacon (Lab, Keighley West) said if reversing the closure decision was not an option, the Church must give every assistance possible to those affected.

“People should have the right to worship at a time and preferably place of their choice,” she said.

“The Church is entitled to make changes, but 170 people is a considerable number and weight should be given to their wishes.”

The Telegraph & Argus reported last week that the church was to close as part of a parish reorganisation.

The West Lane building and its grounds will be sold off.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock, said the restructuring was designed to “strengthen the life of the Catholic Church in Keighley”.

The reorganisation, which takes effect on September 4, will also see St Joseph’s in Keighley and Our Lady of Lourdes, Haworth, join forces.