A CHURCH building in Ellesmere Port dating back to 1840 is up for sale.

The former St George's United Reformed Church in Little Sutton is valued at £150,000.

The church, which was the oldest place of worship in the village, closed its doors for good at the end of August.

The decision was taken due to a dwindling membership and the running and upkeep of the building becoming an "impossible burden", according to the church website.

It stated: "The requirement to upgrade access to the church, including wheelchair ramps, proved to be a final hurdle to its viability.

"St George's was at the very heart of community and village life, a role it maintained despite history's relentless drive for change.

"It was never just a place of worship and will be greatly missed by all of Little Sutton."

Liverpool-based Eddisons Commercial Ltd are marketing the freehold property and describe it as "suitable for owner/occupation or development/re-development to residential or commercial purposes".

It states that following the church's original construction, alterations were undertaken in 1975 through the sub-division of the sanctuary to provide meeting rooms, toilets and first floor accommodation.

Eddisons understand that the property is not a listed building or within a conservation area.

The marketing brochure adds: "Our clients freehold interest is placed to the market, with vacant possession quoting a guide price at £150,000.

"Please note that our client is seeking unconditional offers only (as oppose to those subject to planning permission)."

According to the St George's United Reformed Church website, the church was established in 1836 when a school room was built on the junction of Black Lion Lane and Chester Road.

Used as a day and Sunday school it served the young people of Little Sutton until the current building was opened in 1840 as a Congregational Church, then Presbyterian in 1851 until 1972.

The hall remained in use until the 1970s when it was demolished for major developments in the area.

With no hall available for meetings, changes were made to the interior of the church including upstairs and downstairs meeting rooms, toilets and kitchens.