Hopes of an early reconciliation for a divided Hampshire parish church appear to have suffered a setback.

Some 46 Anglican parishioners at Ropley voted unanimously on Sunday to continue with their alternative services in the village hall.

Two weeks ago, the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Michael Scott-Joynt, led a service of reconciliation at St Peter's Church in an attempt to heal the rift between the vicar, the Revd Royston Such, and the parishioners.

Bishop Michael said: "I believe God is saying to each of us and to us together: 'Please just give being a Christian a try!'"

The rift deepened after Mr Such, a father-of-five, married his curate, Tana Riviere, five months after his divorce.

Many of the congregation boycotted St Peter's, worshipping at other churches as well as organising a monthly service in Ropley village hall.

After a year, Bishop Michael granted a licence for the Dean and Chapter to preach and hold services in the village hall. Now, six years later, the bishop says it is time for reconciliation.

He has refused to renew the licence, saying it was never intended to be permanent.

The hope was that after the service of reconciliation parishioners would begin to return to St Peter's.

But Dr Shirley Hurley, a retired paediatrician and member of the village hall service committee, said it was too early.

"It was a very helpful reconciliation service. People are trying to be understanding of other points of view but it is just that not everyone is ready to go back yet.

"So we are continuing with the village hall services until people feel completely reconciled - and it may not be possible for everyone."

Mr Such said: "My position has always been that anyone and everyone from Ropley parish is welcome at the church and particularly those who live in the village."