A CHURCH, where stonework is slowly crumbling away, is still open for regular worship despite an uncertain future.

Its vicar decided to let the public know that services were still being held at St Mary's Anglican Parish Church, in the Cold Bath Road area of Harrogate, after learning some people believed it had already closed because of its structural problems.

Vicar of St Mary's, the Reverend Martin Soar, said: "We want to send a strong message to the wider community that all are welcome at St Mary's and that, contrary to rumour, we are well and truly open."

Meanwhile, the church and its congregation await a decision from the Church Commissioners, in London, about its future. If it is declared redundant and must close, the church has struck an agreement with the governors of Harrogate Grammar School that Sunday services will switch to the school's main hall.