A CHURCH is facing eviction from its meeting hall so weddings can be held there.

New legislation stops any premises from being licensed for civil marriage ceremonies if religious meetings are held there.

The news has hit proposals by Melksham Town Council to let the Town Hall as a venue for weddings.

The main room of the hall is let every Sunday to the Good News Church.

The town council has asked churchgoers if they are willing to use an alternative room in the town hall.

Joint pastor Sharon Firth said: "We were extremely disappointed when we heard about this. Personally I feel this is a new law and they have included things which may have to be revised. I guess other churches will run across this too as many meet in places like town halls."

The Good News Church currently welcomes 25 in the congregation. They have been meeting in the town hall for about 12 months.

Mayor of Melksham Vic Oakman said he was hopeful an arrangement could be made.

He said:"We are putting in new furniture and it will be ideal for civil ceremonies and once we take over the Assembly Hall next door in April they can just walk a couple of yards for the reception."

Mrs Firth said she understood. She said: "There is hope too that if in the spring the town council takes over the Assembly Hall we might be able to meet there."