A CHURCH has been declared unsafe leaving its congregation facing an uncertain future.

Members of Shildon Spiritualist Church say they have been dealt a devastating blow with the news that their meeting place of almost 100 years could be beyond repair.

A routine inspection by structural engineers revealed that the building, in Middleton Road, needed to be closed to the public immediately - leaving the congregation looking for accommodation.

Russell Surman, from the church, said: "We have been told that the roof is too heavy for the building and the walls are bulging. The front elevation has fallen back about eight inches.

"We closed the building straight away and are now meeting in the Masonic Hall over the road."

President Nora Orton said the group had not given up hope of being able to return to the building but was in desperate need of help.

She said: "We do not know where to start. We have had around eight builders out already but nobody has got back to us with an estimate of how much it will cost. We have been told by a gentleman who used to renovate buildings for a living that we could be looking at in excess of £50,000.

"We are all really gutted. This building means a lot to us. It was built in 1909 and it was built with money raised by the community.

"What we need is for a builder to come along, tell us what needs to be done and how much it will cost then at least we will know."

Mr Surman said that the group was now facing three choices. Do what they can to repair the building and bring it back up to standard, demolish it and build a new church or sell the land for development and bank the money until it can raise enough money for a new church somewhere else in Shildon.

He said: "Whatever happens, Shildon Spiritualist Church will continue even if it means meeting at a community centre for a while.

"Obviously, what we really want is to have our old building back as soon as possible. We would love to hear from anyone who can help us."

Anyone who could help is asked to contact Mr Surman on (01325) 300091 or Mrs Orton on (01388) 774330.