A CHURCH is not being closed permanently, despite rumours circulating the town.

There had been fears that Holy Trinity Church, in Trinity Street, Halstead, could be close its doors after problems with pigeons getting into the building.

However, the Churches Conservation Trust, a charity which cares for the building, has said that this is not the case.

Rachel Morley, regional estate officer at The Churches Conservation Trust said: "Unfortunately we have had a bit of a problem with pigeons gaining access to the church and hiding high up in the arches of the clerestoried nave.

"We are trying and find a solution to the problem, and there are no plans to close the church to the public."

The attractive church is a popular landmark in the town.

A chapel, Holy Trinity Chapel, was built on the site in about 1413, but this had disappeared by the 18th century.

The present church was built in 1843 - 44, and most of it was paid for by Mrs Mary Gee of Colne House, Earls Colne.

A grant of £500 came from funds provided by Parliament in the Church Building Act 1824.

The church, which is in the gothic revival style, was designed by George Gilbert Scott.

As the building of the spire was nearing completion, it collapsed, fortunately causing only minor injuries to the builders.

An organ chamber was added in 1876.

The church was declared redundant in April 1987.