WIRRAL parishioners have been left “torn apart” by the closure of their local church.

All Saints Church in Hose Side Road, Wallasey, will close its doors after its final service on Sunday - and its congregation feel they are being “pushed out.”

The church, which is more than 60 years old, has been forced to shut due to maintenance costs despite continuous fundraising efforts.

But church-goers say adequate time has not been given for them to say their goodbyes after initially being told the closure would be at the end of June.

In an emailed letter to the Globe, one member of the congregation who asked to be known only as Hannah, said: “For the past 13 years, the church community have been continuously fighting to keep All Saints open.

"Many members of the congregation have been worshipping at All Saints for more than 40 years, which is why we have become so much more like a family.

“Over the years we have watched our family grow and have had the great pleasure to share in the celebrations and have all felt the incredible loss when one of our church family have passed away.

“The date of closure has been sprung upon our church community and we have been given a mere week to say our goodbyes to both the church and the family that we have grown to love."

The letter continues: "It pains me to think about the many members of the congregation that are away at this time and will have to return to a closed church.

"Their chance to say goodbye has been ripped away from them as we were told that it would be closing at the end of June.”

A spokesman for the Diocese of Chester said parishioners can join with St Nicholas’ Church, Wallasey Village to continue with their worship.

He said the final public service at All Saints came after a legal consultation process.

"As for the future of the church building, it will remain the property of our diocese and we will be seeking suitable alternative uses for it.

“We give thanks for all the many years of faithful service to God given by All Saints Church and its parishioners.”