A listed church building has ‘temporarily closed’ with doubts whether it will ever reopen after structural problems emerged. St Paul’s in Astley Bridge, Bolton has been a focal point of the area since it opened in 1848. However, the Church of England’s Diocese of Manchester has called a public meeting to discuss the building’s future and told worshippers future Sunday morning services will be held at St Paul’s School, Newnham Street, starting on Sunday, August 24. Astley Bridge councillor, Hilary Fairclough said ‘St Paul’s Church is probably going to have to close permanently’ and cited costs for repairs could be more than £500,000 as ‘the steeple has structural problems’. A statement from St Pauls’, said: “The church building is temporarily closed. “There will be a public meeting about the church building on Tuesday, September 2 at 1.30pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club. “There will be representatives from the diocese and church to, hopefully, answer all questions.” Coun Fairclough, said: “This is a listed building that is a focal point of the area. “The diocese would need to spend a huge amount of money on repairs. “I shall attend the meeting and put forward views from residents however I must say that if few people attend it is unlikely that the diocese will change their mind and agree to fund the work required. “It’s closed for the next four weeks for safety reports but it may not reopen depending on the results.” St Paul’s, which is close to Blackburn Road, was built in 1847-8 and was consecrated by the first Bishop of Manchester, James Prince Lee on the June 22,1848. In 1867 it was enlarged with new walls erected north and south of the building.