The congregation at 900-year-old St Nicholas and St Faith church in Saltash have heard that if they do not increase their giving by £330 a week their services could have to be switched to the church rooms next winter.

Rising weekly costs, a dwindling congregation, and the need for urgent heating repairs have led to fears that the church may have to close.

At a special presentation on Sunday morning parochial church council member, Mark Fielding, said it costs £800 per week to keep the church going - £30 for heat and light, £20 for clergy expenses, £80 insurance, a huge £410 for the parish share and Deanery dues, £30 for the organist and choir, £100 for the fabric fund and £130 for sundries such as stationery etc.

Another PCC member, Colin Pidduck, said the heating system was in urgent need of repair, and if it deteriorated any further it could be deemed irreparable. One of the windows in the north west of the building is also in desperate need of restoration.

The falling numbers of regular worshippers is not helping the situation. The rector, Canon Richard Maynard, said many had died or moved away, and the boundaries of the town itself were moving out towards the area covered by St Stephen-by-Saltash parish church.

Parishioners have been given a deadline of April 23 to reply to letters asking for their commitment of more money each week. Overlying this is the worry that if weekly income is not increase the church's future looks bleak.

Mr Fielding said it was hoped that donations from the congregation would rise, but he stressed many of the parishioners were on pensions, or had young families which made money tight. Other avenues of fund-raising will be investigated as well. Next month, during the May Fair weekend, an exhibition will be held entitled 'Baptisms and Betrothals', and it is hoped money brought into the coffers through this will help keep the church open and heated next winter.

Members of the congregation have pointed out that thousands of couples have been connected with the church through christenings, weddings, confirmation and burials, and it is hoped that such ties with the town will continue in years to come - if the necessary cash can be found.