THE Roman Catholic diocese has agreed to open its doors for Church of England services after St John's Church in Coleford closes on Monday November 19 with electrical safety worries.

An electrical survey at St john's did not gain a pass certificate, the Church of England Diocesan office reports.

"Because of this, they are currently unable to use the lights or the heating in St John's Church building. There are also on-going concerns about the roof, including falling roof tiles, which is a greater problem in the winter with heavier rainfall and stronger winds. This makes the church building unfit for use over the darker and colder winter months," said a diocesan spokesman.

"The Parocial Church Council therefore made the decision, after informal conversations with Coleford Roman Catholic Church, to seek permission to worship for a temporary period at the Catholic Church of St Margaret Mary during the winter months. The first service at St Margaret Mary is Sunday November 25, at the usual service time of 9:30am.

"The Bishop of Gloucester and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clifton have both given their agreement to this temporary sharing arrangement and we are immensely grateful to the congregation of St Margaret Mary and to Father Barnabas for their hospitality.

"Our churches at Clearwell, Newland and Staunton are still open and all are welcome to attend these churches as well."

Bishop Michael, the Bishop of Gloucester, will be coming to Coleford to lead the Christmas Midnight Mass service at St Margaret Mary, at 11.30pm on Monday December 24 – all are welcome.