The doors have been closed to a Conwy Church, for what could be the final time.

The St Michael's and All Angels Church was closed and will, at this stage, hold no future services as part of the Wrexham Diocese restructuring plan set out by Bishop Peter Brignall about 18 months ago.

The closure has left parishioners outraged, so much so they boycotted a "celebration" mass run by the Bishop last Wednesday, with only 13 members of the regular congregation attending the service.

However, St Michael's was filled with churchgoers from their own and adjoining churches to witness what may be the final ever service on Sunday.

People also attended the mass who were baptised, confirmed or married in the church as it meant so much to them.

An appeal has been made by a number of parishioners to the Wrexham Diocese which they have 30 days to reply to.

While a decision is yet to be made on the local appeal, residents are preparing to take the fight to save their church to the next level.

John Lewis, a parishioner from the St Michael's Church, said: "The fact he (Bishop Brignall) came down himself last Wednesday, and then the final mass on Sunday indicates to us they are not going to accept our appeal."

Plans are already under way to take the appeal to the next stage - the Vatican's Congregation for the Clergy. If that is unsuccessful it will move on to the Apostolic Signatora - the equivalent to the Vatican's High Court.

Fund-raising to finance these appeals, which will involve employing Canon Lawyers, is in planning with a coffee and cake morning held on Saturday, February 3, which raised £750 in two hours.

The Pioneer attempted to contact the Diocese this week but was unable to get comment before going to press yesterday.

The Diocese have said in the past it has always been the bishop’s intent to ensure mass is celebrated every Sunday of the year in every parish of the Diocese, this can only be achieved by a reduction in the number of churches.

A candlelit vigil under the Crucifix, part of the Italian marble stations of the cross, was held outside the church on Sunday, with 25 attending braving cold conditions.