AN HISTORIC Radcliffe church has gone up for sale.

Stand United Reformed Church in Stand Lane, Chapelfield, has been put on the market following a ‘painful and disappointing decision’, church leaders say.

The future of the Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1885, is now uncertain. However, it is understood that an offer had previously been made to purchase the property and convert it into a wedding venue.

Church leaders confirmed that the sale had been under consideration for around 12 months, due concerns that the church may not be able to continue functioning in its current manner.

It is hoped that the congregation, which is part of the joint pastorate of Radcliffe, Stand and Farnworth URCs, may now merge with its sister in Radcliffe.

A statement from the church said: “Although the decision to sell the building of Stand United Reformed Church (URC) has been painful and disappointing for church members and others, it does not mean that the church is withdrawing from the local community.

“The reason the church started to discuss the sale of the building almost a year ago was because it could no longer see a way to keep on using it in the ways it has done for many years. However, the church is looking at plans to join with Radcliffe URC, which is a mile away, and also to use nearby venues such as schools to continue its popular community work, such as Messy Church.”

Several concerns have been raised by members of the Chapelfield Village Community following the intended sale of the church, with residents saying they have been “ignored” and “kept in the dark”.

In a letter the community group said that the sale and any change of use “will have a detrimental effect on the community as a whole and the village” highlighting worries about increased traffic and people in the area if the building becomes a wedding venue.

They are now proposing to raise money to help with church running costs and “see if a solution can be found before it is too late”.

Stand United Reformed Church is on the market with commercial property agents Lamb and Swift at a guide price of £175,000.

For more information call 01204 522 275 or email enquiries@lambandswift.com.