AN iconic Bradford church viewed as a "national treasure" must be preserved - that's the view of people who would like to secure the future of a historic Saltaire church.

The future of Saltaire United Reformed church, which was commissioned and paid for by Sir Titus Salt, is unclear following the recent departure of its minister, whose fixed term contract was due to come to an end a year ago but stayed on until the end of 2021 to help the church during the pandemic.

A meeting has been called to discuss the future of the building, which has been shut for worship since February 2020 when the roof collapsed. With repairs set to get underway soon, church members are currently holding online services.

Telegraph and Argus readers across the district have made their feelings known about the Victoria Road church.

One person said: "This iconic building must be preserved and brought back into use both for local worshippers and as a major tourist attraction.

"Visitors come from far and wide to observe the magnificence of this World Heritage site and it brings much needed revenue into the local economy.

"I do hope the restoration work proceeds now and it reopens soon.

"If further funds are required then a public appeal should be launched. We have all seen what has happened in the past to some of our other magnificent buildings in the district."

A second person said: "I'm sure it will be preserved... it's a key element of the World Heritage site and the money will be found whatever.

"However church numbers are dwindling therefore new uses for the site should be explored, it's not sustainable solely as a place of worship anymore, times have changed.

"It will be interesting to see what comes of the meeting."

Another person said: "Many churches are now enjoying and extended new life by being successfully re-purposed.

"This is a wonderful building very near Hockney's Gallery - and unmissable as you head that way.

"As a building, surely new uses could and should be considered, provided its existing congregation are prepared to let it go! For the sake of its preservation, and survival?"

Another person said: "A Grade I building of this importance needs to be under the protection of a competent authority as a "national treasure". Let's hope it is."

Another person added: "Saltaire URC's members have been doing their best to keep the place open and available for many years even as their numbers have gone down.

"Perhaps English Heritage could take over the site and the worshippers find a new arrangement either on that site or in partnership with another local church."