Churchgoers have passed a resolution which paves the way for a merger of congregations.

With membership declining, elders in the local United Reformed Church circuit have been considering the future of Shelley Road and St Columba's Churches in Worthing.

There has been talk of selling off Shelley Road, possibly paving the way for demolition and redevelopment of the 100-year-old town centre landmark.

The congregation at Shelley Road would move to St Columba's in St Michael's Road, which would also undergo partial redevelopment to modernise facilities.

Now the following resolution has been passed: "We, the members of St Columba's United Reformed Church, agree that, with members of Shelley Road United Reformed Church, the new United Reformed Church in Worthing should worship on the St Michael's Road site.

"This is subject to a satisfactory agreement being made with the Southern Province Trust regarding funding for the redevelopment of the St Michael's Road site, ie the hall and interior of the worship area."