A battle over removing pews from an old church which has split a village is to wage until at least the spring.

John Walford, the Bradford Diocesan Consistory Court Chan-cellor, has decided he wants to deal with the schism through written submissions.

Two more objectors - making 11 in all - have also joined the faction claiming the pews, at St Andrew's Church in Kildwick, near Skipton, are part of the building's heritage and should not be moved.

Mr Walford also has concerns over bats which he believes roost in the tower of the church.

The petitioners want to remove the pews, replace them with chairs, improve access for the disabled, construct a meeting room and install creche.

The Chancellor has told them to submit their proposal by the end of February.

A spokesman said: "The respondents - those opposed to the removal - must file their objections by Friday, April 18. The petitioners then have until Friday, May 9, to reply, after which the Chancellor will make a decision.

"He's also asked that the petitioners make inquiries about carrying out a bat survey with English Nature about the potential of the creatures roosting in the tower."

At issue is the project, spearheaded by the vicar Reverend Robin Figg, to spend £800,000 on improving facilities in the church.

The opposition group has consulted the Victorian Society, which said the pews were not important individually, but as a whole contributed to the integrity of the Grade 1 listed church.

Mr Figg said: "We were given the choice whether to have the case heard by written submissions or in court and in this case both sides agreed it could be decided on written submissions."

He believes the plans will bring the building, which also serves communities in Farnhill and Cross Hills, into the 21st century.

Vivienne Midgley, of Kildwick, one of the opponents, said: "I think it is a good decision to use written submission because you can make sure you cover all the areas. Things can be forgotten when speaking in a court."

She pointed out the importance of bats living in the church tower having seen them flying in the area for 40 years.