MEMBERS of Southbroom parochial church council in Devizes are to take advice from a higher authority after they were told that Salisbury Diocese wants to sell off their Victorian vicarage.

The PCC, which runs St James Church, was told on July 18 that it was the diocese's intention to sell the vicarage, home to St James' vicars since 1830 or 1840, and its grounds, which are quite extensive, and provide a replacement home for the vicar, his family and the parish office.

The PCC met last Thursday to look at the options raised by the diocese's proposal.

The church has until the end of September to consult with the parishioners and make any representations to the Church Commissioners. The PCC has agreed to make Sunday September 15 a day of prayer to seek God's guidance on 'this important matter.'

The vicar, the Rev Chris Tebbutt, said: "The current vicarage is a beautiful house, but has some drawbacks when it comes to modern ministry.

"We need to carefully consider how we can make the best use of the resources available to us for the mission and ministry of the church."

Churchwarden Mike Wilmott said: "It is not done and dusted by any means. We have asked for a meeting with the diocese to discuss the different options and where it would intend to site a replacement vicarage."

The parish centre, next door to the vicarage, will not be sold as it belongs to the church rather than the diocese. The land on which it was built in the 1970s was conveyed to the PCC.

But there might be problems over the access to the parish centre from Estcourt Street, although vehicular access from Victoria Road would not be affected.