A conservation group has branded proposals to convert a church into a community centre "perverse".

The Worthing Society strongly opposes the plan for historic St Paul's Church in Worthing town centre and says a more suitable use should be found for it.

Church officials want planning permission to repair the roof and carry out internal alterations.

They intend to demolish the church hall, which was added in the Sixties, and replace it with a three-storey block of flats for people with mental health problems.

The proposed community centre would provide a focal point for local groups and organisations.

Church officials say it could be used for worship, community meetings, exhibitions, receptions, training seminars and recitals. A community cafe is also planned.

Supporters say the plan will help secure the building's future and provide an important facility.

But Robert Elleray, chairman of the Worthing Society, says using the 189-year-old building as a community centre is out of keeping.

He said: "In principle we have no objection to providing facilities for certain groups of people in need. But to achieve this to the detriment of a historic building seems inappropriate, even perverse. Suitable sites must exist elsewhere in Worthing.

"The building enshrines Worthing's history and is by definition an essential part of the town's civic centre.

"We believe not enough avenues were explored to try to keep the building as a church.

"However, if that is impractical we would prefer to see it used for something more formal, such as for recitals or concerts, rather than general use."

Worthing Council's planning committee is expected to approve the plans tomorrow.

But it will have to refer the application to the Environment Secretary because the church is a listed building.