A priest is delighted after it was announced that his West Malling church will no longer be sold.

In December it was revealed that The Archdiocese of Southwark had decided to sell St Thomas More Church this spring, as well as a pre-school, the church centre and the priest's house, all in the grounds.

This was instead of footing a £1m repair bill for the damaged house, deemed beyond repair.

In a U-turn after public outcry, Archbishop of Southwark, John Wilson, told campaigners that the Catholic church, attended by 250 worshippers each Sunday, will no longer be sold, at a meeting on February 20.

However, questions still hang over the future of the pre-school and parish centre , in Lucks Hill.

More than £85,000 was spent on converting a stable into the pre-school, which has 50 children on its book, and the centre where Sunday school is held.

The school will continue to run, but possibly in a different location.

Father Peter Soper, who has lived in the grounds for 20 years, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the church has been saved. The West Malling parish covers 36 miles and ten villages, and they have been bought together through the church, which has got so many memories."

A letter from the group, to parishioners, said the proposal to sell the whole site arose from a "regrettable breakdown" of communication.

The Archbishop issued a statement on January 11, explaining that after discussions with parish officials, he believed the scheme was "fully endorsed" by all, but it emerged this was not the case. He apologised for the upset caused.

The Parish Future Group held a meeting with parishioners several days later over the future of the site, before writing a letter to the Archbishop, outlining concerns.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat said the news will be a great relief to many.

Mr Tugendhat said: “The church has welcomed so many of our community at baptism, celebrated with us at marriage and mourned with us at funerals. The building brings our community together."

A spokesman for the archdiocese said they were looking for ways to keep the school and centre at its current location, while confirming the house would still be sold.

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