A Silsden church is to be demolished and completely re-built, the Herald can reveal.

Officials at the town's Methodist Church have taken the decision to build a completely new church after discovering it will cost them at least £110,000 to carry out repairs to their existing building.

The church is now liaising with planning experts in Bradford and other organisations to discuss the way forward and it intends to appoint a qualified architect to plan and carry out the work.

A building survey carried out every five years on the church building off the town's Kirkgate has revealed a number of structural defects which will cost tens of thousands of pounds to put right.

Experts have said these will need to be carried out within the next five years and a full survey of the church's drainage system, using a special camera, could not be done as it had become damaged by movement and tree roots.

"The size and age of the building is an impossible task for church members," said South Craven circuit steward Arnold Lee.

"From six years ago we have realised that something drastic was necessary and have been considering various options.

"The church council has now decided that a complete demolition and rebuild project is the way ahead.

"At this early stage we have no plans drawn up, but we would hope to build on the previous church site."

As well as Sunday worship and weekly Sunday school, Silsden Methodist Church is used for fellowship meetings, a youth club and playgroup.

It is also the home to many non-church groups such as the scouting movement, a mothers' and toddlers' group, Silsden Civic Society and a dancing class, as well as being leased out for concerts and other social occasions.

Church officials estimate that around 200 people contribute regularly to produce an annual income of £56,000, with a further £13,000 coming from fundraising and lettings.

But the church is preparing to approach grant aid bodies for help to fund the ambitious project.

Mr Lee added: "We intend to work for a building to serve a wide variety of community needs, not only for our congregation, but for other churches, groups and societies in Silsden, and plan with their involvement to ensure that the new building is a vital asset to the life of the town."

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