THE appointment of a new rector for Malpas St Oswald’s church has still not been made.

The Rev Terry Etheridge retired last year leaving the church without a rector. Villagers have been left concerned about the future of their church due to the delay in the appointment.

Members of the Malpas Patronage Committee have met the Bishop of Chester to discuss when a new rector would be appointed and how a new rector would operate in the area.

Many villagers are concerned the new rector would no longer be full-time or cover a number of areas not just Malpas.

A spokesman from the Diocese of Chester said: “A long-serving rector has recently retired in Malpas. The diocese is currently considering how best to replace him and maintain ministerial service for Malpas and the surrounding villages.

“Various factors are taken into account when deciding priestly provisions and finance is only part of the equation.

“No decision have yet been made on this issue but the diocese is committed to having a strong continuing Christian presence in Malpas.”