A LANDMARK church overlooking one of Southampton's key roads is up for sale after falling victim to a drop in its congregation.
Holy Trinity Church, Millbrook, has served the local community since the early 1870s but is now being marketed along with the adjoining church hall.
The Grade II-listed church is next to the A33 Millbrook Road West and is passed by thousands of motorists every day.
Members of Millbrook Local History Society have used the church hall for meetings and social events for the past 15 years.
Posting on social media the Society said: "The church held its last Anglican service in 2021 as there had been a fall in numbers.
"There was talk of amalgamating with Fremantle church and using the same vicar for both, but it has now been put up for sale.
"Many local people are buried in the churchyard, which is not affected as it’s owned by Southampton City Council.
"But a lot of ashes are interred at the side and front of the church and a lot of headstones have come from St Nicholas Church, the original parish church of Millbrook."
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Winchester said: "Sadly, the Parish of Millbrook has seen congregation numbers dwindle to single figures over the last 20 years.
"After careful consideration and much prayer the Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity have taken the decision to begin a consultation on the possible closure of their church, which could lead to the sale of the site.
"The Winchester Diocesan Board of Finance will begin the search for a new organisation to take over the mantle of caring for this historic building."
Holy Trinity is one of the last surviving parts of what was once the village of Millbrook.
Famous for its 150ft spire and attractive Lych Gate, the church was consecrated on May 26, 1874.
It includes a memorial to parishioners lost in the Titanic disaster, all of whom are buried in Newfoundland.
The church is being marketed by Southampton estate agents Vail Williams.
The brochure says Church of England policies prevent places of worship being sold to anyone whose doctrine is incompatible with that of the organisation.
The brochure, which does not specify an asking price, says all offers will be referred to the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee, which will make a recommendation to the Church Commissioners. Once the statutory processes have been completed the Commissioners will be empowered to sell the building.
Any proposed change of use would require planning permission.
Southampton City Council's Local Plan says the authority will not support the loss of a community facility if there is no similar amenity in the same neighbourhood.
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