MALVERN residents are being asked how their churches and church buildings can better serve the local community.

The churches of the parish of Malvern Link with Cowleigh - St Peter's, in Cowleigh Bank, The Ascension Church, in Somers Park Avenue and St Matthias', in Church Road - have launched a community consultation on the subject.

They have sent out a consultation questionnaire and are hoping to get 1,000 responses.

Rev Peter Knight explained: “Many people think that church buildings are only open for religious purposes, like Sunday morning worship.

“In fact, in this parish we have three Church of England church buildings and each of them is also used in other ways by local people. St Peter's is a venue for theatre productions and poetry evenings, there is a full-time day nursery at The Ascension Church and St Matthias' is used by a keep fit club, Weightwatchers, Age Concern and adult education.”

He added: “We would like to know if there are more ways in which we can serve the local community and especially through wider use of our church buildings.”

The questionnaire asks people if they feel there are any ‘unmet needs’ in their community, whether they would take part in activities of interest if they took place in one of the church buildings, and whether they would consider helping with organisation.

For more information call Rev Knight on 01684 566054 or email revpeterknight@gmail.com.