PARISHIONERS in Coleford have been left "hurt, angry and disappointed" by the decision by the vicar of St Johns church to have a 'clear out day' – and they fear that items of historical and sentimental value will be lost forever.

In a notice in the parish magazine, Rev Sarah Bick wrote of the event, set for Saturday January 10: "The purpose of the day is to itemise those articles we would like to keep/take with us to a new church, those that can be moved to other churches in the parish, and also to dispose of items that are no longer required."

St John's church has been closed for over a year, pending the building being declared redundant when the diocese will dispose of it, and its contents.

But any removal of items has to be cleared with the Chancellor of the Diocese, Mrs June Rodgers. She is required to issue a 'faculty', which allows items to be removed from consecrated buildings.

Parishioner, and significant donor to St John's, Mary Payne of Coleford, told the Review: "The community of Coleford who care about St John's are hurt, angry and disappointed that the vicar has arranged this clearance, before the church has been made redundant, and without the required permission from the Chancellor."

She added: "Those of us who have bequeathed artifacts of value, such as the reredos, believe that any clearance should be done in consultation with the community."

In a statement the Gloucestershire Diocese said: "The Diocese is content that St John's Coleford are conducting matters carefully and conscientiously. Drawing up an inventory list as planned, is an entirely sensible approach in order to understand which of the proper faculties and permissions must be sought. It is likely that any Petition for Faculty relating to minor items will be made to the archdeacon, and a Petition for Faculty relating to other items will made to the chancellor, as outlined in national church legislation."

Rev Bick said: "I understand there has been some concern over a notice in our December magazine advertising an inventory day for St John's, which included a final reference to 'items no longer required'.

"The intention is to sort through everything that is there, particularly the minor items, and make a list, so that proper decisions can be made. We will only clear out things like broken kitchen or music equipment, old photocopies, or flower arranging supplies.

"Items of significant value have been listed and accounted for and we will seek the appropriate legal faculty for these in due course.This includes any donated items: all these items will be given due consideration as part of the faculty process.

"This is all part of the church closure process which is currently underway."

She added: "We are sorry for any concern that the notice caused."

No comment had been received from the chancellor when the Review went to press.