THE future of an "endangered" parish church will be discussed at a community meeting next week.

Tidenham's parish church, St Mary and St Peter, has been a place of worship for at least 800 years but it's future is uncertain – with the areas of concern being the building, its facilities and the dwindling congregation.

Vicar of Tidenham, Rev David Treharne has issued a consultation document on the church's future which will be discussed at an open meeting on Monday (March 10) at the National Diving Centre starting at 7.30pm.

Rev Treharne said the church's "massive" roof is a constant discussion point but it is not clear how much longer it will go without a serious and expensive restoration.

It is not clear who would pay for or manage such a large project.

The church has no toilets, no running water and very little parking on the narrow lane on which it stands.

Rev Treharne said: "Any big event that takes place in the church has to overcome great logistical hurdles."

Supporters will be asked if water and toilets could be installed and if anything can be done about the parking.

The Sunday congregation averages around 25 people and running costs have to be, in the main, from the collection plate.

Rev Treharne added: "There is no secret trust fund or bottomless pit from which all the annual bills can be paid. With facilities hampering attendance growth is difficult.

"Due to the issues I am led to understand that the church comes under the category of 'endangered.'

"In other words if things carry on as they are then the future is not good."

The community consultation is being hosted by the parochial church council and Rev Treharne said it could play an important part in determining the future of the St Mary and St Peter.

The meeting will allow people, including non-churchgoers, to say why it is important to the area and there will be more detail given about why the church faces a potentially uncertain future.

Rev Treharne said: "If there is to be a bright future then the parishioners of Tidenham can make this happen."