PLANS to install toilets and a kitchen area inside one of the county's most historic churches have caused concern for the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings.

There are fears that the view down one side of the long nave - the church was known in the past as "long kirk" - will be spoilt by a modern addition which is out of character.

St Andrew's Church in Kildwick dates back to the early 1300s and a place of worship has existed on the site from around 800 AD.

Many alterations have taken place over the past 600 years, most notably in the addition of the tower.

The latest plans first mooted in 1987 include internal alterations which will significantly alter the look of the inside of the church.

A section to the right-hand side of the south porch by the main entrance has been earmarked to be sectioned off following the removal of the present wooden inner porch which is felt by the church to be a dark, unsightly and unwelcoming feature.

Pews will be removed to house the new kitchen area and toilets.

However, not everyone is happy with the proposals.

Keith Midgley, chairman of Kildwick Parish Meeting said the majority of the people he had spoken to did not know anything about it.

He did, however, accept that there had been a public meeting advertised on notice boards in the village which took place in March 2002. He was one of only four people who attended this meeting and all voiced their objections to the changes.

But Rev Robin Figg said:"I am sorry that Mr Midgley has expressed such concerns at this time because I and the Parochial Church Council are satisfied that we have followed the correct procedures and due processes throughout. During this time all interested parties have had the opportunity to discuss or make comments in respect of the proposed church development plans.

"The vast majority of regular church users, members of the congregation - around 90 - and other church groups are very much in favour of the proposals and have said they look forward to seeing them being fulfilled.