The Methodist minister who has spearheaded the campaign to demolish one of Bingley's most prominent landmarks, the church in Mornington Road, is to leave the area next year.

The Reverend David Johnson will take up a new post in Hull in August after an eventful 11 years in which he has grappled with numerous problems associated with the grade II-listed building erected in 1874.

When Mr Johnson arrived in Bingley in 1988 the church was halfway through a huge fundraising campaign to raise £300,000 for renovation.

But that ambitious plan soon changed.

First, the minister tried to sell the church for alternative uses, and when that didn't work he was behind a drive to demolish it to make way for a new, modern church.

The demolition proposal is to go before a Bradford Council planning committee on a date still to be set.

Mr Johnson has come under fire from members of his church who were unhappy at the idea of demolition.

More recently, Mornington Road Church Preservation Group has accused him of being too defeatist about alternative uses.

Mr Johnson, 47, a father of three, said the issue over the building had been a headache during his

11-year tenure.

"We could have done without the problem, but the people have been excellent.

"I am sorry to go really.

"We should be here when the decision is made and we will expect an invite back to the opening ceremony, God willing, if we get the go-ahead to demolish it."

Peter Whittaker, chairman of the West Yorkshire Methodist Circuit, said: "He has sustained what has been - through all the difficulties - a very difficult ministry and done it well.

"He will also leave a very thriving church in Eldwick."

Mr Whittaker said that Mr Johnson's replacement would be chosen in the light of what had happened at Mornington Road. "We need the right person because it's not a straightforward situation. We don't know what will be required by a new minister.

"If the church is knocked down, there will be an exciting opportunity to work with a new building and create a new phase.

"If it has not been knocked down then very strong pastoral skills will be needed to look after our people - to work with a wounded and damaged congregation."

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