An MP has vowed to try to save Bingley's most imposing building, the historic Mornington Road Methodist Church, after fresh attempts to demolish it.

Shipley and Bingley Labour MP Chris Leslie called for a six-month stay of execution while other options were investigated for the landmark church which at its peak could seat 1,300 worshippers.

He said: "I am really upset about it, we should not throw away our heritage. I am going to be opposing any moves to demolish it.

"Bingley is in danger of becoming a valley of cheap and nondescript buildings if this goes ahead and I shall be making my feelings known to the planning committee.

"So many good buildings have gone, we are going to end up as a featureless valley. Bingley isn't just anywhere, we don't want to end up as 'Anytown UK.'

"Any other country wouldn't even contemplate what is proposed. The owners have a duty to uphold that building and I would be personally more than happy to spend some time finding other options.

"It is a remarkable architectural achievement, a landmark, and an important part of Bingley's fabric, we would be a more sterile town if we were to lose it."

Bingley Civic Trust member Gilbert Freeman, organist at the church and a member since 1951, said: "I think it's a great shame that such a building has got to come down but I can't see any alternative. It's been up for sale for several years but we can't find any other use for it. I am very sorry."

Of Mr Leslie's plans for a stay of execution he added: "It's very nice if it could be done but I'm not very hopeful."

Nick Allen, one of the agents for the scheme, said: "We have been looking at ways of saving and rescuing that building for a number of years and have finally had to concede that the church no longer is sustainable.

"It's far too big and expensive for current use, reluctantly we have decided that demolition is the only way forward. We have spent eight to ten years looking for a solution and it's a problem that will not go away."

No-one from the church was available for comment. Minister David Johnson was in Scarborough at a conference.

If demolition is approved by the Council and sanctioned by the Government a new church accommodating 120 to 130 members will be built on part of the site. The rest of it will be used for 12 houses and flats.

The church, which was built 120 years ago, and is a Grade II listed building. At its peak it seated 1,300 worshippers but by 1991 the congregation had fallen to fewer than 50 during morning services and 12 in the evening.

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