Time is running out for Ropley's alternative church services and worshippers have accused diocesan officials of dragging their ecclesiastical feet.

They are waiting for a diocese judgment on whether the church-status licence for the village hall should be renewed.

But the February 9th service could be the last: organisers still don't know its future and say time is ticking away.

John Goddard, who lives in the village near Alresford, said: "The diocese is not getting a move on.

"If we are to run our own show again, we need to know. It's difficult for people to preach at short notice. We must know by February 9th, because that's when we have to tell our congregation."

The alternative services started up in 1997, after a feud between villagers and vicar, the Revd Royston Such.

Churchgoers are split between St Peter's, in Church Street and those - about 50 - who attend the monthly services down the road.

Five years ago, the Bishop of Winchester licensed some clergy to services at the hall, in Church Street.

The licence was reissued annually until last November, when it was renewed for only three months.

A spokesman said the Bishop, the Rt Revd Michael Scott-Joynt, wanted a long-term resolution, but this had been delayed.

"Groups were consulted, but as a result of pressures on the bishop's time, notably a visit to our partner diocese in the Congo, it was felt that the licence should be extended."

He said hall organisers would be told of the final decision during February.

Mr Goddard was far from sanguine about the outlook. "My source at the cathedral tells me nothing is happening, so effectively we have one more service."

Mr Such would not be drawn: "This is not my area. You will have to speak to the diocese," he said.