THE congregation of a church which is at risk of closing have been asked to help decide its future.

In September of last year the parish wrote to those in the area to explain that the future of St Anne's Church in Langton Road was in jeopardy.

It said that even with "their best efforts" the church was struggling and closure could be the only way forward.

The Evening Post reported that a dwindling congregation, increased heating bills and the cost of running repairs were the main reasons for the crisis in funding at the church.

Consultation has now started but many local residents are worried that community groups who use the church hall as a meeting place will be left without a home. The news two weeks ago that the nearby Wicklea Community Centre is due to close has also come as a double blow to the community.

Local resident Molly Martin said: "The loss of the church is also a loss of the church hall – several years ago this church was divided in two to make a smaller church area and a hall which is used by a least ten groups on a regular basis and by many people for meetings, wedding receptions and parties etc.

"The news that the youth centre round the corner from the church, with its 15 community groups is to close as well shows how much these centres are used and really needed.

"St Anne's has a large number of new houses with young families who need the children's activities at these centres. Also there are many very elderly people living alone, who will be devastated when they realise that the two weekly luncheon clubs will be closed."

Ms Martin said St Cuthbert's Church, at the top of Sandy Park, would become the nearest church for all the people who live in St Anne's area if the church was to close.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Bristol said: "The Parochial Church Council of St Anne's Brislington is continuing to consider the future of its worshipping community and church building. It has begun consulting the congregation about future options and what the next steps might be. As yet, the Diocese of Bristol has not been formally involved in this process and no decisions have been made at this point."

Another resident said there are less than 80 people on the parish electoral roll.

Pete Yeates said the church is in desperate need of attention.

He said: "As many local people will know, the coping stones on the church wall have deteriorated due to frost damage and vandalism. Several blocks of stone have been replaced, but many more are still in need of attention."