TRUSTEES of a 200-year-old Roman Catholic seminary have begun consultation on its closure, it was announced last night.

Would-be Catholic priests have been trained in the picturesque surroundings of Ushaw College, near Durham City, since 1808, when St Cuthbert’s Seminary relocated from revolutionary France.

In recent years, the college has begun hosting conferences and visits to cover costs.

However, faced with declining numbers of men wanting to enter the priesthood, last night trustees said that, pending consultation with employees and the Charity Commission, the college would close at the end of the current academic year, next June.

Archbishop of Liverpool Patrick Kelly, chairman of the trustees, said: “This is one of the most difficult proposals that we as trustees have had to make, not least because of the excellence of the formation our students are receiving.”

Monsignor John Marsland, president of the college, said: “Ushaw has a long history within the Roman Catholic Church and words cannot express how sad we are that we are considering such a drastic step.

“We have long tried to find a development partner and it would be nice to believe that a partner will still come forward with a viable business plan, but unfortunately time is running out and we have to face the reality of the situation we are in.”

Father Christopher Jackson, spokesman for the Catholic diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, said: “Ushaw has made an immeasurable contribution to the life of the Catholic Church in this part of the world.

“We have to thank God for that, but also believe that this is the right time and discern new ways forward.

“It will be very sad, but things have a shelf life. They come to an end and then move forward.

“This is not a death and burial.

It’s a death to raise to new life.”

The proposals put 62 jobs at risk. Consultation will last at least 30 days. There are currently 26 seminarians studying at the college.

College bosses said it was too soon to say what would happen to its Georgian buildings.