CREWE'S historic railway church could be forced to close becouse of a lack of funding.

The landmark Chrst Church in the town centre was built 160 years ago by the town's railway bosses.

For many years it has been centre of worship in the heart of the town.

But following the discovery of dry rot in the roof, the nave of the church has been a controlled ruin for the past 30 years.

Despite this church services have continued to be held every Sunday and Wednesday in the former Lady Chapel, which is still intact.

The church tower, with its ten bell ring, is still a landmark in the town and is a listed building.

This week the priest in charge of Christ Church, Reverend Bill Baker, said: "Following a recent meeting of the Parochial Church Council of Christ Church, the current financial position was reviewed and a decision was made, based on the budget for 2011, that the church is not viable.

"This is obviously a sad time as we consider the past of this great railway church built in 1845 and which has been the spiritual home of Anglicans in central Crewe for over 160 years.

"The Church Council decided that an extraordinary general meeting should be held to discuss the potential closure and this will be held in Christ Church on Saturday February 26 at 11am. "Everyone who is interested in the future of Christ Church Parish is welcome to attend."

For those wishing to attend the meeting who are not familiar with the building, the entrance to the church is not through the tower but through the nave garden, opposite the doors to the nearby church hall.

For more on the story see this week's Guardian.

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