A CATHOLIC retreat and conference centre in Malpas is closing due to the costs and the people needed to keep it running.

St Joseph's, in Tilston Road, will close towards the end of the year although it is unclear which elements will be sold.

There is also a chapel at the site and an alternative church is being sought so parishioners can still worship in the village.

Father John Gaul, parish priest for Tattenhall, Farndon and Malpas, said: 'From our point of view we have not got enough personnel to run it, the costs of modernising the place would be exorbitant and the number of groups coming through are fewer and smaller.'

St Joseph's was built by Joseph Lewis in the 1880s as a family home and known as The Beeches because of the beech trees in the grounds over-looking the Dee valley.

Lewis was a successful silk and elastic dealer and a benefactor who financed Malpas Alport Boys and Girls' School.

In the 1890s, the house was home to the Greenshield family of Greenshield stamps fame who made their fortune in shipping at Liverpool.

During the Second World War the house was requisitioned by the Ministry of Health as an evacuee hostel for children from Liverpool, and later London.

Historian David Hayns of Church Street, Malpas, said: 'They are going to be missed. I particularly recall with fondness the time when the students were there.'

He added: 'We are just wondering what will come after it. Who will buy it? It is such a wonderfully peaceful place. The fathers and brothers created that atmosphere which is so friendly and welcoming.'

The catholic church's association with the house began in 1946 when the building was bought by Sacred Heart Fathers congregation. It was used as a training college for priests studying theology and philosophy.

As numbers entering the priesthood tailed off in the 1960s, St Joseph's changed roles to become a retreat and conference centre for various groups, including religious organisations, but also for colleges.

St Joseph's has a big place in the hearts of Malpasians. When it was a college, the priests were well thought of because they would help people in the village.