Church demolition plans mothballed as vicar stands down following social media campaign

DEMOLITION plans for Eldwick Church have been mothballed following heated opposition by villagers and the shock resignation of its minister after an internet campaign which "put the boot in", according to church elders.

The church has a growing membership and had drawn up schemes to demolish or dramatically extend the building on Otley Road.

But a vehement campaign, led by Eldwick's Village Society, opposed the extension.

It included strong criticism of the plan online and a poll which showed 357 in favour of an extension and only 25 voting for demolition - the later being church elders' preferred option.

Ecumenical Eldwick Church houses integrated Anglican and Methodist worshippers and at its annual meeting on Sunday its minister, the Rev Helen Hodgson, announced both schemes had been shelved for six months and that she was stepping down.

"I have walked with the church through these recent explorations and have travelled as far as I can.

"I see the value of a new person to lead as they continue to wrestle with questions of buildings and finance," she wrote in her farewell letter.

"I believe this needs to be someone well-equipped in these areas."

The trustees will now take six months to review the situation, however doing nothing was not an option, the minister said.

Churchwarden Richard Arnold said the level of opposition had hurt many worshippers.

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Church demolition plans mothballed as vicar stands down following social media campaign