Ref. 30782-11A HOMELESS congregation is hoping to set down permanent roots by turning a warehouse into a church.

The Swindon Family Church has been without a base since forming nearly 12 years ago.

The 130 church members have met in various locations, and services are currently held in the Winners' Lounge at the County Ground.

But they are hoping the answer to their prayers lies in a disused warehouse on Westlea Industrial Estate.

The 8,500sq ft steel and brick shell is owned by the Bible Society, and until recently was used to store books prior to distribution.

A decision to hand the distribution role to an outside firm meant the property suddenly became redundant.

When Swindon Family Church pastor Mark Thornett heard it was empty, he leapt at the chance to use it.

Now, a planning application has been submitted to Swindon Council to turn it from warehouse use into a place of worship.

"This is really exciting news for us because we have never had a permanent home," said Mark, 40.

"We started off at the Link Centre, but soon outgrew it, and have had several temporary homes since.

"Our theology has always been that the people are the church, not the building we are using.

"But having a permanent base will mean we can do so much more.

"People might think it is odd to have a church on an industrial estate, but our church is more about the people than the location."

Mark wants to turn it into a 400-seater auditorium with smaller rooms for teaching and areas for mother-and-toddler sessions.

About 200 people head to the County Ground for the church's Sunday services, which are lively affairs with gospel-style singing led by bands rather than an organ.

Numbers are rising, and the church is especially popular with young families.

"It's interesting when I hear about other churches being in decline because our experience is the complete opposite," said Mark.

Tamash Lal