'A vessel of our shared history and community identity' - Supporters of Wednesbury church launch bid to save it

So far they have 87 signatures towards what they say is a "crucial fight to keep St Paul's doors open".

• See the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/save-st-paul-s-church-from-closure

The notice in front of the church appeared before Christmas and says the proposal to sell off the bells is "prior to the proposed closure of the church building under the statutory closure process".

If sold the bells will go to the Keltek Trust, a charity which finds new homes for bells from churches which have closed, mainly in the UK but also exporting them to Australia and the USA.

St Paul's hasn't been used for around two years but has teamed up with nearby St Luke's. The Express & Star recently reported how the fortunes of a third church, St Bartholomew's, had been turned around partly because of a collaboration with St Luke's.

Louise Sheard, who started the petition against any potential closure, said it had been a "cornerstone of her family's life for generations and is a vessel of our shared history and community identity".

She said: "The sale and subsequent closure would be a devastating blow, not only to those of us with personal ties but to all residents of the parish and greater Wednesbury. 

"The loss of St Paul's would erase a piece of our community's identity and heritage. The impact of its closure extends beyond sentimental value. 

"Churches like St Paul's offer invaluable community support beyond services.

"We understand tough financial decisions have to be made, but selling the heritage that binds our community isn't the only route.

"We urge the decision-makers to consider alternative solutions to preserve this vital landmark."

Oliver Bedale, who lives close to St Paul's, said: "It is very disappointing and disheartening to read that St Paul's bells are to be sold and the building to close for myself and fellow local residents.

"There seems to be a good catchment area close to it and we have seen what happened with St Bartholomew's which was also struggling but seems to have risen again, so I would urge people to sign the petition and get behind St Paul's."

Arun Kataria, the director of communications for Lichfield Diocese, said: "There is a legal process in place for the disposal of the bells at St Paul’s which would see them put to good use in another church and we would welcome people's views.

"The formal legal process for the closure of the church has not begun but the priest and PCC [Parochial Church Council] has expressed the wish, with great sadness, that the church is closed as it is no longer needed for public worship.

"Over centuries, communities and environments change and the situation of St Paul’s, close to a dual carriageway with strict parking restrictions make accessibility one of the key issues.

"The PCC has recognised that St Paul’s is unlikely to be able to re-establish a place in the community given the circumstances yet also sees that St Luke’s Mesty Croft and St Bart’s Wednesbury can thrive.”