DEMOLITION work on a 19th-century church in Rodbourne has begun.

Rodbourne Methodist Church is being flattened to make way for a multi-purpose centre which will act as a place of worship and a venue for community groups.

It was designed to accommodate 220 people, but that is now too big for the current congregation of 30 .

The original church building opened in 1884 and a much larger extension was added in 1900.

Both are to be knocked down to make way for a car park and the church hall, dating from the 1950s, will be renovated, at a total cost of £180,000.

A final service attended by 50 worshippers was held last month.

Reverend Janet Evans said she was sorry to see the historic church destroyed but it was just too expensive to maintain.

She said: "It is very sad, especially for the people who have worshipped in that building all their lives and especially when they think back on family occasions such as weddings, baptisms and funerals.

"Quite a lot of people think of it as their church even though they are not worshippers there.

"It is certainly going to change the skyline on Rodbourne Road. It is quite an eye-catching building and many people will be sorry to see it go.

"We had a new front put on the hall to make it look better but it is not going to be such a dominant feature.

"But we are looking forward to a new premises.

"Hopefully, when we get it all finished we can concentrate on community activities rather than raising money to repair the building.

"It was just one bill after another. A bit of masonry fell off and we had to pay £1,000 to make it safe.

"The building is larger than we need and it takes a day-and-a-half to heat up."

While the refurbishment is going on, the Rodbourne Methodist community will worship at nearby St Augustine's Church.

Rev Evans added: "St Augustine's church, which is Church of England, is kindly hosting us. They are holding their services half an hour earlier and once a month we are sharing a service. That's a good move for furthering friendship between to the two churches."

Romsey Street will be partially closed until April 17 while the demolition is taking place.

People will still be able to get to Even Swindon Infant School in Hughes Street.