A Victorian church could be knocked down and turned into a housing development after a bid to find an alternative use for the building failed.

St Michael’s Church in Langley, which was built in 1899, held its final service last summer then shut its doors.

It was forced to close because its dwindling congregation could no longer afford to pay for the upkeep of the large building.

Church commissioners have been trying to find an alternative use for the building in Causeway Green Road but it has proved difficult.

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A Victorian church could be knocked down and turned into a housing development after a bid to find an alternative use for the building failed.

St Michael’s Church in Langley, which was built in 1899, held its final service last summer then shut its doors.

It was forced to close because its dwindling congregation could no longer afford to pay for the upkeep of the large building.

Church commissioners have been trying to find an alternative use for the building in Causeway Green Road but it has proved difficult.

Now the vicar of St Michael’s Canon John Barnett says the church may have to be flattened.

He said part of the site would probably be sold off for housing.

But Rev Barnett said the community would be consulted before any action was taken.

He said: “At a recent meeting with the Church Commissioners it became clear that it could prove difficult to find a viable alternative use for the present St Michael’s building since its closure for worship, and that one outcome might be that it needs to be demolished.

“If that does happen the question will arise as to what is to be done with the site. It will mainly be used for housing, in line with Sandwell’s local plan, but there may also be an opportunity for some community provision. The local congregation has a role in making suggestions about new development.”

Rev Barnett said work was soon due to start to make the rear of the site safe by taking down the old hall and fencing the area off.

He said a decision on the future of the building, which is managed by the Birmingham Diocese, would not be taken lightly.

Anyone who would like to air their views on the future of the site should call Rev Barnett on 0121 552 5005.