Worshippers at a Gomersal church are considering a radical proposal to help raise an estimated £200,000 to revamp the Grade II listed building.

Members of Gomersal Methodist Church in West Lane - known locally as the Pork Pie Chapel because of its circular shape - are proposing the attached schoolroom is demolished and the land sold off for housing.

They accept the measure could prove unpopular with some villagers because of the historical significance of the schoolroom but say they may have no choice.

The building, which is not listed and was built in 1840, suffers from severe dry rot and needs new gutters, while the church needs a new heating system. Both are in a conservation area.

Reverend Robert Readshaw said: "It is costing a lot of time and money to maintain both buildings and, like a lot of churches, we do not have a lot of resources.

"It would cost between £60,000 and £70,000 to refurbish the schoolroom which has had four outbreaks of dry rot in three years. And I estimate the church needs about £200,000 worth of refurbishments. If we don't do something quite radical, we won't have a church left for future years.

"We want to provide one building which can be used both for worship and the community. It would mean putting a kitchen, foyer, meeting and storage rooms and disabled access in the church.'' Church members - about 70 people - are to meet at the end of the month to discuss whether or not to go ahead with demolishing the schoolroom.

Mr Readshaw said: "It's something we have been considering since October 1997. I accept some villagers will not want the schoolroom to be pulled down and we welcome any constructive suggestions and helpful comments on alternatives.

"I must stress that the option of demolishing the schoolroom is still in the early stages. We haven't got permission from the church authorities or Kirklees Council.''

The schoolroom, which has a hall, two meeting rooms, three storage rooms and a kitchen, is used by Scouts and Brownies and for aerobics classes.

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