OVERWHELMING support to keep a vicarage has been received at public meetings.

OVERWHELMING support to keep a vicarage has been received at public meetings.

Two sessions were held to discuss the future of the facility for St Andrew's Church in Cheddar after the diocese announced its possible closure.

More than 70 per cent of those who attended the meetings voted in favour of keeping the building off Church Street, instead of finding an alternative modern house elsewhere in the village.

The Dicocese of Bath and Wells has said the vicarage is in need of replacement and wishes to sell it. After the announcement two meetings were held to see how the people of Cheddar felt about the possible replacement.

The meetings, held on March 13 and 16 saw a total of more than 170 people turn out to vote on the decision.

A church spokesman said: "Many residents do not agree with the plan. They feel that although some modernisation is needed the building will provide for the person who succeeds Victor Daley, who will need to serve Draycott and Rodney Stoke, as well as Cheddar.

"Retention is recognised as a challenging task by all those in support, not least because of the financial implications."

As well as voting, people who would like a say on the future of the vicarage, can also write to St Andrew's Church by Wednesday.

The Parochial Church Council of St Andrew's will consider the matter at its next meeting on March 27, and report its decision to the diocese.

Anyone who was unable to attending the two meetings can write to The Vicarage, Church Street, Cheddar, before Wednesday.