A BID to save a centuries-old church would give the community building a "new lease of life", say elders.

Westhoughton United Reformed Church, also known as Bethel, wants to refurbish the building, sell it and lease some of the space.

Closure of the Park Road church, which first opened in 1853, would have a "mega impact" on the pre-school and other community groups who use the building.

Church Elder Margaret Curme said the building's future rests on these plans.

She said: "If the plans do not go ahead it is most likely that the church would have to close. Mainly because of the required manpower, cost of maintenance, onerous legal and financial requirements needed for a large old building."

Plans to refurbish the church and create more nursery space have been submitted to Bolton Council.

If they are approved, the whole building could be sold, with the current ground floor being leased back as a worship space.

The proposed changes include installing new heating, modern lighting and other new technology.

The external fabric of the buildings would be maintained but changes would include new windows and doors. The graveyard would continue to be maintained by Church.

Mrs Curme said: “This is not a typical sale of a building as the offer would include providing a bespoke area and facilities for church and community use."

Theatre group Bethel Crowd, which currently has 50 active members, uses the building twice a week.

The amateur dramatics society, which has been running for more than 60 years, has staged many musicals at the church.Vice chairman Ben Kilburn is firmly behind the plans.

He said: "The proposed changes are very exciting for us and would enable us to bring a better quality of entertainment to the community of Westhoughton at affordable prices."

Daisy Hill pre-school, which has been based at the church since 1974, is open every morning during term time and runs other activities throughout the week.

Manager Debra Parr said: "The proposed works to the building will provide fantastic opportunities for us to modernise and extend our services and we are delighted to have been assured of continuity and support for the future and the transition. It is a very exciting time for all concerned."

Zumba sessions, a new martial arts classes and concerts are also put on at the church.

Mrs Curme added: "There is so much community activity to lose."

Town hall officers are due to decide the outcome of the planning application by mid-July.