MALTON'S historic Methodist Church has closed down temporarily - and its future is in doubt - after significant structural problems were discovered in the roof.

The Grade II* listed church in Saville Street was established in 1811 by public subscription, including the help of the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, and has served the Malton area for more than 200 years.

But 'structural issues with its roof structure' were discovered following a routine maintenance inspection of the property, and now Methodists are considering whether they are able to sustain the cost of repairs. They are also looking at alternative or joint uses for the building and moving the worshipping community to another place.

The church's Minister, the Reverend Tanya Short, said: “Whilst the building has been lovingly preserved and maintained by three generations of Methodists, including a major restoration in 1999, it was very disappointing to learn last month of a serious issue with part of its structure, where a weakness to one of the large roof beams was discovered.

“We hope to be in a position to consider carefully all the options, both for the future of our building in Malton – and our Church community - before the end of 2015.

"Meanwhile, we shall join worship with our friends at neighbouring churches in the area. We want to thank everyone for their support and understanding during this difficult time.”

Spokesman Paul Emberley said that on the advice of church appointed safety consultants and independent engineers, the church officers had had no alternative but to temporarily close the building whilst further surveys were undertaken. "These substantive investigations are expected to take some weeks to complete," he said.

He said the church had many important and historical features and contained one of the largest auditoriums in Ryedale, seating up to 500 people, and Methodism was a part of Malton’s heritage, with the first church established in Old Maltongate during the 18th Century.

"Charles Wesley, the Anglican Minister and theologian who is credited with the foundation of the Methodist Church with his brother Charles Wesley and fellow cleric George Whitefield, preached in the Old Maltongate Chapel during the 1770s," he added.