THE future hangs in the balance for two historic churches near Tenbury that have more than a thousand years of worship behind them.

Falling congregations mean that the churches at Nash and Boraston are facing the prospect of closure.

The cost of the upkeep of both buildings is proving a major headache and with the number of people attending the two churches down to little more than doubled figures

A crisis meeting will be held to decide what to do next.

The church in Nash dates back to the 14th century and the church at Boraston is even older. Both of the churches are dedicated to St John the Baptist and are listed buildings.

The Rev Claire Lording, who heads the team ministry based in Tenbury, said that the issue is how to find the money to keep both of the churches going.

“In our parish of Nash and Boraston we are fortunate in having two historic churches,” said the Rev Lording.

“Whether we like it or not, whether we are church-goers or not, we are responsible for the upkeep of these beautiful and ancient buildings.

“If we don’t look after them they will eventually deteriorate into ruins as the elements and the wildlife take over.”

She said that with both buildings a handful of worshippers have done their best over the past 700 years to keep the two churches viable.

“Sadly these regular attendees are dwindling,” she added.

“Within recent years, many have either died or moved away leaving us with a regular congregation of fewer than 10 people.

“We know that most parishioners want to continue worshipping together at the major festivals such as Christmas and Easter and to be christened, married and buried at Nash and Boraston.”

The Rev Lording said that the churches are grateful to people who responded to a recent campaign and who make regular contributions but that this is not enough for what is needed to undertake major works.

“Although this makes a significant difference, we still cannot cover the running costs of two churches and pay for their upkeep,” added the Rev Lording.

“Both of them will need significant structural repairs in the next few years.”

At Nash it will be necessary to undertake repairs to the spire and north aisle that will bring with it a bill for an estimated £100,000. At Boraston Church work is needed to be done on the chancel walls.

It is possible bids could be made for lottery funding but there would need to be two separate applications and the rules mean that even if successful parishioners would need to stump up 10% of the cost that would run into five figures.

The Rev Lording said that this leaves some hard choices to be made.

“It leaves us with a dilemma,” she said.

“How can we justify spending such a significant amount of public money on two churches which are only used by a handful of people?”

There will be a public meeting at Nash Church on Wednesday (March 25) at 7pm to discuss the options which range from closure of one or both churches to trying to come up with the money.