PLAQUES commemorating 15 villagers killed during the two world wars could be moved after plans were announced to close the church where they are displayed.

St Augustine’s Church, in Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, looks set to close after being used less frequently in recent years.

Weekly services are a thing of the past at the church, with a fortnightly prayer meeting now the only regular worship.

It is understood the church may eventually be sold for development.

Members of Aiskew and Leeming Bar Parish Council are trying to find a new home for two plaques in memory of casualties of the first and second world wars.

The council has sought advice from the War Memorials Trust and is keen to ensure the plaques stay in the parish.

One suggestion is to put them on display in the nearby Aiskew and Leeming Bar Primary School.

The council is inviting local residents to give their views on where the 18in by 3ft plaques should be re-housed.

Parish councillor Margaret Tiplady said: “The parish council wants to hear people’s views, whether there are objections or other suggested locations for the plaques.

“It has been suggested that we put them in the school, because that is the one public building left in the village.

“They could be put in the entrance hall, for example, so people could go in and view them.”

■ Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals can email aiskewparishcouncil@ gmail.com or write to The Clerk, Aiskew and Leeming Bar Parish Council, Tourist Information Centre, North End, Bedale, DL8 1AA. For more information, visit warmemorials.org