WORRIED Lickey residents concerned about the future of their historic parish church are being urged to have their say on its possible development.

Scores of householders packed into Lickey Parish Hall on Monday night to hear from an architect about the process involved in bringing Holy Trinity Church, consecrated in 1856, into the new Millennium.

Eastbourne-based Church Projects Ltd's Derek Kemp talked to the crowd gathered at the Old Birmingham Road site about the first stage in the long process -- an option study.

The experienced architect is holding individual half-hour consultations with parishioners today and tomorrow to hear their wishes and concerns about the church's future.

He said: "I believe that church buildings are a very valuable asset for us all.

"It is very important for you to have your say and it is very important for me to hear what you have to say."

Issues to be looked at during the study include historical background and the community served by Holy Trinity.

Priority areas for the church's working group include the entrance and reception, a room for children because the current arrangement of meeting in the parish hall means crossing a busy main road, better facilities for the disabled, improved audio and visual facilities and enhanced refreshment resources.

Specific proposals or recommendations were not discussed.

Written suggestions can be placed in a box at the back of the church, if you cannot get along to the consultations.