An "awkward" cycle lane carving through the centre of a market town has sparked a "worshipper exodus" from its church, a furious vicar has warned.
The Reverend David Murray of St Margaret's Church in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, said congregation numbers have fallen from 100 to 60 after the introduction of a new bike lane next door.
The cycle route has blocked access near the church, effectively cutting it off from elderly worshippers.
Rev Murray claims his congregation members are "getting lost" due to the changes, which have hindered access to the car park.
Some drivers are now forced to travel an extra half mile to reach the church.
The vicar said the situation has also impacted attendance at Sunday school and church nursery sessions.
"People have been getting lost and they've said it's too awkward," Rev Murray said. "Added to that, the roads around the church are covered with double yellow lines. We feel we are being completely isolated."
The road changes have caused confusion - despite Trafford Council's insistence that consultation took place before implementation.
The council also claimed that steps had been taken to signpost people to the church car park.
MORE CYCLE LANE FURY:
Jackie Campbell, a pastoral care team leader at St Margaret's parochial church council, highlighted the mobility challenges faced by the congregation.
"They need to get up to the front door by car. It's great to be on a bike and they wish they could be on a bike or take public transport, but they can't," she said.
While Phil Eckersley, a councillor for Bowdon, called for a rethink of the scheme - and said the changes had "significantly affected access" to the church.
Eckersley added that he thinks the local authority needs to "re-evaluate whether the scheme's benefits truly outweigh the disruption it has caused to long-standing community institutions and residents' daily lives".
BRITAIN'S CHURCHES IN CRISIS - READ MORE:
Trafford Council defended the scheme, saying it aimed to "make journeys on foot or by bike much easier and more attractive to help create a more connected and accessible region".
The controversy comes as St Margaret's prepares to celebrate its 170th anniversary this year.
The grade-II listed building began construction in 1851 after being commissioned by George Harry Grey, the 7th Earl of Stamford.
It was designed by architect William Hayley and features a hammer beam roof with carved angels inspired by Westminster Hall in London.
The church also houses a large altarpiece modelled on the Henry VII chapel in Westminster Abbey.
Find Out More...
The Reverend David Murray of St Margaret's Church in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, said congregation numbers have fallen from 100 to 60 after the introduction of a new bike lane next door.
The cycle route has blocked access near the church, effectively cutting it off from elderly worshippers.
Rev Murray claims his congregation members are "getting lost" due to the changes, which have hindered access to the car park.
Some drivers are now forced to travel an extra half mile to reach the church.
The vicar said the situation has also impacted attendance at Sunday school and church nursery sessions.
"People have been getting lost and they've said it's too awkward," Rev Murray said. "Added to that, the roads around the church are covered with double yellow lines. We feel we are being completely isolated."
The road changes have caused confusion - despite Trafford Council's insistence that consultation took place before implementation.
The council also claimed that steps had been taken to signpost people to the church car park.
MORE CYCLE LANE FURY:
- Motorists warned as road lanes on major route replaced with new cycle lanes - 'Causes chaos'
- Neighbour row erupts as leafy village torn apart by controversial cycle lane
- Neighbours fuming as cycling bollards 'block them from using driveways'
Jackie Campbell, a pastoral care team leader at St Margaret's parochial church council, highlighted the mobility challenges faced by the congregation.
"They need to get up to the front door by car. It's great to be on a bike and they wish they could be on a bike or take public transport, but they can't," she said.
While Phil Eckersley, a councillor for Bowdon, called for a rethink of the scheme - and said the changes had "significantly affected access" to the church.
Eckersley added that he thinks the local authority needs to "re-evaluate whether the scheme's benefits truly outweigh the disruption it has caused to long-standing community institutions and residents' daily lives".
BRITAIN'S CHURCHES IN CRISIS - READ MORE:
- More than 3,500 churches have shut across Britain in last decade
- Church of England puts swift end to conversion of Grade II-listed building into mosque
- Villagers fume after vicar 'disfigures' 15th century church with white makeover - 'Hideous!'
Trafford Council defended the scheme, saying it aimed to "make journeys on foot or by bike much easier and more attractive to help create a more connected and accessible region".
The controversy comes as St Margaret's prepares to celebrate its 170th anniversary this year.
The grade-II listed building began construction in 1851 after being commissioned by George Harry Grey, the 7th Earl of Stamford.
It was designed by architect William Hayley and features a hammer beam roof with carved angels inspired by Westminster Hall in London.
The church also houses a large altarpiece modelled on the Henry VII chapel in Westminster Abbey.
Find Out More...