A VICAR at the centre of a church closure row is to leave his post.

Rev David Woodall, vicar at Christ Church with St John the Evangelist, in Bacup, is due to leave the town’s last remaining C of E church next month.

His departure follows a campaign to keep the 157-year-old church open after the Diocese of Manchester started a two-year review of its buildings.

The possibility of closing the church and using Central Methodist Church in Burnley Road, Bacup, is currently being explored.

The Facebook campaign group, which has almost 500 members, fears that Rev Woodall leaving his post will affect the future of the church.

Colin Allum, campaign leader said: “Having no vicar definitely makes Christ Church more vulnerable to closure.”

The Save Christ Church group is trying to raise £200,000 for building work needed on the church to prove to the diocese the congregation is behind the church.

Rev David Woodall is moving to run three churches in Rochdale to become Priest in Charge of St Michael Bamford, St Paul Norden and St James Ashworth.

He said: “I have enjoyed working with the diverse communities in this area. We have worshipped together: celebrating the good, and supporting each other at times of grief.”

Since the launch of the campaign to save the church the congregation has more than doubled to around 100.

A spokesman from the Diocese of Manchester said: “A decision will be made by the church commissioners shortly.

“Rev David Woodall’s departure will not affect this process.”