Gay rights vicar, the Rev Colin Coward, and his partner Bobby Egbele have had to postpone their civil partnership because they have not yet had the green light from the Home Office.

The couple were planning to have a civil partnership ceremony at Devizes register office on October 9 followed by a Eucharist at St John’s Church, where Mr Coward occasionally officiates.

But that was dependent on Nigerian fashion designer Mr Egbele, 25, getting permission to stay in the country. This week, not having had any response from Whitehall, the couple took the decision to postpone.

However, Mr Coward, 64, from Marston, near Devizes, heard yesterday that the UK Border Agency had sent Mr Egbele a response by registered letter on Monday, and the indication was that its decision was positive.

Mr Coward had been fighting for months for the document and had enlisted the help of Claire Perry MP, who had threatened to write to Home Secretary Theresa May if the situation was not resolved. Even if the go-ahead arrived today, it would be too late for the couple’s plans to ‘wed’ on October 9 .

Mr Coward said: “There is no way we could get it organised in under a fortnight. This has been a very difficult period for both of us.

“We will now need to consult with friends and decide what we are going to do. We will certainly go through with the civil partnership, but we don’t know when.”

Mrs Perry said she was sorry to hear that Mr Coward and Mr Egbele have had to postpone their ceremony.

She said: “I contacted the UK Border Agency on their behalf in August and was told that the case was with a caseworker and the Agency could not say how long it would take. As that was over a month ago, I have written again to the Agency.”

A Home Office spokesman said it could not comment on individual cases.

The couple’s “gay marriage” has split the local Church of England congregation. While most members of St John’s Church are in favour of them celebrating their union in the church, worshippers at St Peter’s have objected.