A MINISTER is leading a campaign to save his church over fears it could be axed in a cost-cutting move.

The Church of Scotland has recommended that Renfrew North Parish should be closed and merged with another congregation in nearby Inchinnan.

However, the Reverend Philip Wallace has described the plans as “silly.”

He says Renfrew North has never been more popular, with 750 locals and 15 organisations using it every week.

A petition launched in a bid to save the church has gained more than 1,200 signatures.

Mr Wallace, 57, will have a chance to put his case for saving the church at a special meeting of Clyde Presbytery next Tuesday, after which a decision will be announced.

A church has been on the current site since 1843 and the present building was opened in 1879.

Mr Wallace told The Gazette: “We are right in the centre of Renfrew and provide a vital service to the community. People can drop in seven days a week, which is one reason we have been so successful.

“We run a coffee bar and dementia cafe and things like that would be lost.

“There are some churches in a poor state of repair that need closed but our church is not one of them.

“We have spent a lot of money in the last few years upgrading and repairing.”

The building is also used by the Brownies, Guides, Boys’ Brigade, Women’s Guild and a Men’s Association.

Councillor Jamie McGuire, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead, is backing the campaign to keep the church open.

He said: “It is the backbone of our community.

“It will also be difficult for people, particularly the elderly, to travel to Inchinnan on a Sunday if they don’t have any transport.”

A Church of Scotland spokesman said: “No final decisions have been taken, as this work is still at the draft stage and local congregations are currently being consulted about these proposals ahead of this month’s Presbytery meeting on November 22.

“All affected congregations will have an opportunity to raise their concerns at the meeting to ensure Presbytery has all the relevant and correct information.

“The draft plan must then go for approval by the Faith Nurture Forum and the General Trustees, who may ask for further information.

“At the heart of this process is a genuine desire to see the church grow in Renfrew.”