A COLONY of pregnant bats is facing homelessness because of worshippers.

The natterers bats are due to be evicted from a North Yorkshire church, but parishioners have hit a snag because, under current legislation, bats cannot be removed from a church.

A hunt is on for a new home for the natterers, who need a spacious home to teach their young to fly. The future of the bats and the 1,100-year-old church depends on a suitable relocation.

St Hilda's Church, near Thornton-le-Dale, in North Yorkshire, is experiencing problems since the bats decided the belfry was not big enough for them and took over the rest of the building.

Ryedale MP John Greenway explained the problem to MPs in the House of Commons and how the bats' droppings had created a health hazard.

He said: "Bats can be removed from a private home, but under current laws, not from a house of God."

Church warden Wilf Garbutt said: "We have been advised we can now apply for special permission from the Government to remove the natterers bats, but only if a new home is found for them nearby. So we are now looking for a disused farm building, preferably an old barn. Later, with help from a bat expert, we can relocate the natterers away from St Hilda's for good."

Simon Drewett, chairman of the North Yorkshire Bat Group, which has 120 members, said: "We require a solution that will also make the natterers happy."

English Nature conservation officer Simon Christian said: "Relocating the natterers appears the only permanent solution, and we have offered £500 towards expertise and relocation costs."