A village church in the Staffordshire Moorlands is set to go up for auction next month.

Forsbrook Methodist Church, on Chapel Street is set to be auctioned on 26 October by Butters John Bee.

The church – which was built in 1865 - has a guide price of £40,000.

The brochure states: "The property is a traditional brick construction semi-detached single storey building under a pitched clay tiled roof.

"The property was built in 1856 and fronts Chapel Street, having an entrance to the front with windows within the front and rear elevations only."

On Saturday (26 September), Forsbrook Parish Council shared a statement on social media stating that the parish council will not be proceeding with the due process required for them to bid for the chapel at auction.

According to the statement, the clerk outlined the parish council's financial position for the remainder of the financial year.

Members also considered the likely costs involved in any purchase, as well as ongoing maintenance costs.

The statement added: "After careful discussion, Councillors concluded that there was currently insufficient information available on the full costs and financial implications to justify proceeding at this stage.

"A proposal was therefore made and unanimously agreed, with the exception of two non-voting members, that the Parish Council should not proceed further unless and until more detailed financial information becomes available.

"The Council also agreed that, should the financial position change in future, the matter could be brought back for further consideration.

"Forsbrook Parish Council remains committed to acting responsibly, transparently, and in the best interests of parishioners. The Council will continue to review matters carefully and will only commit public funds where there is sufficient information to support sound decision-making."

As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service in June last year, a Methodist Church spokesperson said: "The Church Council for Forsbrook and Blythe Bridge Methodist Church has voted to cease meeting at Forsbrook and focus its worship at Blythe Bridge.

"The regular congregation at Forsbrook has declined in numbers and is no longer sustainable while the building is in need of repair and renovation with accessibility issues that would require significant investment.

"No community groups are currently using the building but we would be happy to consider offers for its purchase subject to the Charity Commission regulations."

To view the listing, visit the Butters John Bee website here.