LEDBURY'S new Methodist minister has scotched rumours that his church is leaving town.

But he has confirmed that the present church, one of the most prominent buildings in the Homend and dating back to 1849, will soon be up for sale.

The Revd Phil Warrey, who was welcomed as the new Methodist minister for Ledbury and Bromyard back in September, says the Victorian church will go on the market in January 2018; but the sale will lead to a new building and new opportunities.

He said: "There are no firm plans yet for where we may go; but be assured there will be a Methodist presence in Ledbury. We may be selling the building, but the Methodist Church is actually a gathering of people called Methodists."

And as a stop-gap measure while new premises are found, the congregation, which is often in excess of 40 people, will gather in the Burgage Hall in Church Lane.

Proceeds from the church sale will lead to the establishment of a new Methodist Church building in town, at a location still to be decided.

Mr Warrey said of the present church: "This grand old Victorian building no longer serves the needs of our congregation. It is a beautiful building and is loved by the congregation, but it was built in a different age with different needs.

"Our congregation is smaller now; we don't need such a big area for worship; but we do need space where we can put on meals for the elderly in the community, and run other events and serve our community."

At present, due to limited facilities, the church can only offer meals to around 24 elderly people per month, but with new premises and better facilities, Mr Warrey hopes to offer meals to more senior citizens, of all denominations, and more than once a month.

He said this was important to help tackle "the huge amount of social isolation" among the elderly, and he stressed that welfare has always been an important aspect of Methodism.

In the meantime, Mr Warrey is urging his community to help with the search for a new location in town.

In a letter to his congregation he said: "Of course, at this time, we don't know how quickly an offer will be made or how quickly a sale will go through.

"Nothing has been ruled out; so if you spot somewhere or land for sale, let us know."

Mr Warrey suggested that the present building could be used for offices, a gallery or a restaurant.