NEWS that a church could shut in Bolton has been greeted with sadness — but with hope that a reorganisation could help churches best meet the needs of the community

The Bolton News reported that two churches in the borough will close after the Diocese of Salford published its plans for future reorganisation.

And the diocese said that following consultation, St Peter and St Paul church in Pilkington Street in Daubhill — which is currently not being used — will formally close.

Also in Bolton, one of either St Thomas of Canterbury in Lonsdale Road, Heaton, St James the Great in Bowland Drive, Montseratt or St Joseph’s in Horace Street, Halliwell will be closed after a further consultation period with parishioners.

Cllr Andy Morgan, whose ward covers St Thomas of Canterbury Church, said: "It is always sad when a community facility closes but a reorganisation could ensure good quality church facilities in the long term for the community."

He added: "St Thomas has been in the community a long time and its association with the school is strong."

The number of parishes will also be amalgamated within the Deanery of St Joseph, which covers Bolton.

The changes will reduce the number of parishes in Bolton from 18 to 12 and the number of diocesan priests from 13 to 10.

The church needs to reform because there are fewer priests and fewer people regularly attending church.

The church said these changes have been developed for a number of reasons including to encourage parishioners to support and manage the general administration of parishes.

It is hoped in the long term the plan will help build, sustain and grow parishes for the future.

This is intended to give priests more time to perform their pastoral duties, including the celebration of Mass, ministering to the sick, elderly and infirm and working in schools and colleges with young people.

Cllr Martyn Cox, who attended the church as a child as he grew up in the area said: "I went their as a child and it would be sad if it was to close.

"The connection with the church and school is very strong."