A CHURCH will close its doors for the last time next week after seeing its congregation decrease in numbers.

Close Methodist Church, in Bury Street, Radcliffe, will hold its final services on Sunday, October 9, bringing an end to more than 200 years of Methodist worship in that part of Radcliffe.

The church first opened in 1839 and moved to its current premises 40 years ago, but there has been a Methodist presence in the Close area since 1793.

However, after years of decline, the number of people attending services is now only about 10.

The Rev Chris Haines said: “This has been in the air for some time, largely down to the decline in the number of people attending and also because of finances. We have known for a while that it would have to close at some point and that decision was taken earlier this summer.

“The congregation have been aware that closure would be fairly imminent, so this isn’t a shock to them.

“But it is obviously a difficult time because they have a lot of memories there.”

During the last school year, Close was used as office space by Radcliffe Hall CE/Methodist Primary School, while their buildings were being refurbished and new offices built.

Community groups who use the church as a base have all found new homes in the area.

Other local Methodist churches will be closing their own evening services next Sunday, so that people can attend the church’s final service at 6pm. Members of the community may also visit the church between 3pm and 5pm that afternoon.