RESIDENTS have expressed their sadness as demolition of a Catholic church that was part of a community for more than 80 years began.
St Peter and St Paul's Church on Woodlands Road, Haresfinch, is being brought down.
As the Star reported last year, an application was sent to the council last year seeking consent to flatten the former place of worship.
The church had served the community for more than eight decades, with the construction of the building having begun during the interwar period in 1938.
As the Star has previously reported, the church was closed by the Archdiocese of Liverpool in 2020.
A planning application had said the redundant buildings would be "at risk from vandalism and fire" if left unoccupied.
In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, the Archdiocese of Liverpool made the decision to close St Peter & St Paul's Church.
Pastoral provision for the parishioners is now provided at Holy Cross Church in the town centre, where Father Kevan O'Brien, formerly of St Peter & Paul's, is parish priest.
'So sad to see'
Margaret Smith-Duffy wrote: "So, so sad to see this beautiful church being demolished.. I can't imagine Haresfinch without St Peter and Paul's church, lots of family weddings (including my own)... baptisms and family funerals... also my Uncle (Matt Teeling) was very involved in the upkeep of this place.. helping out whenever he could.. for many years.. x"
Margaret added: "So sad to see such a beautiful church being demolished lots of memories from being a child that went to st peters & Paul's school x".
Sue Winn said: "My parents married there, I was christened there, plus confirmation and first Communion. Sang in the choir at Benediction on Wednesday evenings with the other children from St Peter & Pauls. Sunday Mass for many many years.
"My Dad used to do the garden when he’d retired…so many connections to the church….so very very sad to see it like this".
Lorna Jackson added: "We have just recently moved to the area and often walk past the church, very sad that’s it’s being torn down".
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