THE sale of a church building dating back to 1906 has been agreed.

The Horwich Independent Methodist Church in Lee Lane was put on the market for £170,000 after church officials decided to close it.

But Liverpool-based Roberts, Edwards and Worrall confirmed that, after receiving several offers, the sale of the building had been agreed and was being finalised.

Lorraine Edwards, office manager at the company, said: "After we held the viewings we had a lot of interest and a few days ago we sale agreed the property."

Ms Edwards could not reveal who had purchased the building or what the agreed price was.

The sale includes the wooden pews and furniture, as well as the church organ.

There is also a further large room, ancillary rooms and a kitchen.

It has been described as being in a good condition and as an “ideal investment or development” opportunity, subject to gaining planning permission from Bolton Council.

According to Andrew Rigby, connexional services manager at the Independent Methodist Church, operating the building had become unviable as member numbers were dwindling.

He said: “It was an elderly congregation that has been decreasing for years and the numbers went down to the point where they felt that it wasn’t sustainable any longer.

“It is unfortunate but I think it is a sign of the times and hopefully the congregation will be able to find other churches that are nearby.”

Cllr Peter Wright, who represents Bridge Ward on Horwich Town Council, was adamant that the building should not be knocked down.

He said: “It is a shame that the church isn’t used any more so I hope that the congregation can manage to find somewhere else to go.

“Old buildings don’t seem to get used as much any more. I’m not sure who will buy it or what they will plan for it but I would definitely rather they renovate it instead of knocking it down.”

It is not currently known what the plans are for the building.

But several residents have also taken to social media, with many stating that they would rather it be used commercially rather than as a potential site for housing.