A VICTORIAN church is planning to sell a rundown schoolroom which has become a drain on its resources, in a bid to remain open.

John Williams, the secretary of Pisgah Baptist Church in Talywain, said they had no choice but to put the two-storey building – where the ceiling is caving in – on the market.

Scouts and bible study groups have used the schoolroom but the sale would also allow renovations to take place at the church and help to keep it open in the long term.

The schoolroom, which features a winding staircase, could be converted into four flats along with a garden plot – currently situated within the graveyard – under plans being considered by a developer.

The church group says the deal would be a “blessing”, in terms of ensuring the future of the church.

Mr Williams, 67, said: “Scouts and Beavers and Cubs use it. That’s broken my heart but we have to do it.

“We need funding to keep the church open in the future.

“It is lovely this blessing has come along and we are able to keep it going.”

The church has a leaking roof and some of its walls need to be renovated, Mr Williams said. He added the Baptist church made contact with the developer about a month ago.

The developer is said to specialise in specialist conversions.

The Baptist church in Pisgah Road has visiting preachers and its flock comprises around 15 regular worshippers.

Steeped in history, the church had its first baptism in 1827.

Pisgah Baptist Church is hosting a harvest festival this Sunday.