A STOURBRIDGE church forced to close by falling congregation numbers will be demolished for housing if planners approve an application.

The Methodist Church on West Street closed in 2005 after congregations dwindled to an average of just 15.

The church, built in 1857, is now set to face the bulldozers to make way for five new houses.

Dr Paul Collins, historian and trustee of the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, believes the loss of another old building will contribute to a gradual decline in the character of the town.

Paul said: "We call it the drip drip effect, over the years perhaps people have stood back and let a lot happen, a lot has been lost from the area already.

"It's a concern, the loss of chapel buildings will change the character of an area over a period of years.

"The chapel is important locally and I would hope at the very least a record is made of any original features the building retained.

"The building is quite elaborate in terms of design, nationally many of these buildings have been successfully converted to provide accommodation."

Kinver based builders Hyperion Homes lodged an application in December with Dudley Council to level the historic building and build the two-bedroom homes.

The closure of the church came as a blow to a drama society based in the building since 1948.

Wendy Hemming, publicity officer for Enville Street Dramatic Society, said: "It was a shame to loose the chapel but we have to be realistic.

"We are now based at St Thomas's in Stourbridge and the people there have been very supportive. It's sad to see old buildings go but we have to build up our new facilities and move on."