THE former priest of a Hampshire parish claims the community he led is being pulled apart by "spiteful action" from the church.

Father Ray Lyons was the Waterside Catholic Parish priest for 11 years until a bust-up with the bishop last summer saw him walk away.

As reported in the Daily Echo, parishioners say they are at "civil war" with their parish priest over the way the parish is now being run.

The O'Connor family has lived in St Michael's House, next door to St Michael's Church in Hythe, for 11 years - but the church has given them notice to get out by the end of July.

At the centre of the row is the new parish priest, Father Patsy Foley, who has refused to be drawn on the matter.

Father Patsy's predecessor Father Ray said: "I am shocked that the O'Connors are being treated this way. They are a good family and are God loving. They are not a wealthy family but they would give the shirt off their back to anyone in need. A lot of people are shocked and hurt by what's happening. I can see no reason for this spiteful action."

Parishioners claim attendance at the church has dropped from 400 to less than 175 and many formerly dedicated Waterside parishioners are now attending Mass in Totton or Southampton.

The parish's plan for a £4m "superchurch" to replace the current St Michael's Church and St Bernard's Church in Holbury has also been abandoned.

Father Ray, who now works as a property developer, said: "The new church is not going ahead, which people have not been consulted on. We did so much work on that, people are angry. To see 11 years of work dismantled is very hurtful. The new church was the people's dream and something they need. The current buildings are inadequate.

"People want the parish back. But the community is being dismantled.

"It's not as the church is supposed to be. People need to be involved and consulted - it's their parish."

Father Ray was parish priest for 11 years but left following a fall-out with Bishop Crispian Hollis, the Bishop of Portsmouth, over the management of the parish. He added: "People are bewildered by the fact that the bishop will not say anything. There used to be lots of young people and families in the parish. I am astonished - how can you dismantle a community like that?

"At the moment, me coming back is not an option. The bishop and I are in dispute."

Bishop Hollis refused to answer whether he has received any complaints about the way that the parish is being run.

Father Patsy declined to comment, stating it is a "diocesan matter".