PARISHIONERS say they have not been given a fighting chance to save their much-loved church.

As the News reported last week, the Roman Catholic Church's Diocese of Portsmouth proposes to demolish St Margaret Clitherow church in Birch Hill because it says repairs would be too expensive.

But some worshippers told the News they think more could be done to save the "beautiful" building - paid for by church-goers 40 years ago.

One man from Birch Hill, who did not want to give his name, said he and his wife have attended the church in Ringmead for decades and said: "What has made both of us really angry and upset in this whole saga is that there has been no two-way communication directly with worshippers at that church from the diocese." The diocese says it would cost more than £100,000 to remove asbestos and restore the church after water damage from repeated copper roofing thefts. However, some parishioners questioned whether a cheaper roof could have been put in more quickly and say they were never given a chance to fundraise or take part in a proper consultation.

Diocese spokesman Barry Hudd said the church shares a priest with and is close to St Joseph's in the town centre, where worshippers have gone since St Margaret's closed a year ago. He said: "All parish activities are centred on St Joseph's Church and we could not justify plunging the parish into substantial debt in order for St Margaret Clitherow Church to be used for one hour a week.

"As the Bishop said, it is understandably painful for those for whom St Margaret Clitherow has been their spiritual home, but the majority of Bracknell Catholics understand and support the decision." He said parishioners were invited to write to the Secretary of the Diocesan Trust and the site's future has not been decided but proceeds from any sale would benefit the parish.