Catastrophic damage caused by lead theft
Grade II*-listed, 1892, Paley, Austin & Paley
St John’s, by the well-known Lancashire firm of Paley, Austin & Paley, is an important set-piece church, featuring internal red sandstone and an unusually complete suite of fixtures and fittings. The church closed for worship in 2012, citing a declining congregation, and the Church Commissioners are currently looking for a new occupant, but its condition is deteriorating. The theft of its lead flashings has caused an ingress of water, and now mould and mildew cover its fine pews, screen and pulpit. Given the projected cost of the repairs, restoration is certain to present a challenge for developers, but this is far too good a church to lose. We hope that current negotiations on reuse are successful.
Status Update / March 2026
The Diocese of Manchester still advertises the building as a development opportunity through the Church of England website.