The future of Hartlebury Castle could be under further threat because of the financial downturn, campaigners fear.

Now an MP has appealed to Church Commissioners who own the building not to be tempted to sell it to developers.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has asked Sir Stuart Bell MP, Parliamentary representative of the Church Commissioners in the House of Commons, about the future of the building.

The Commissioners manage the Church’s assets which are invested in stock market shares and property to produce money to support the ministry.

They meet about 18 per cent of the Church’s total running costs but Mr Luff is concerned that current financial pressures and the crisis facing shareowners and banks might result in a quick decision to sell.