After plans were submitted to demolish two Catholic churches in Oldham, both of the proposals have been withdrawn.

Earlier this month, the Diocese of Salford applied to the council to knock down two of its former churches in the borough.

The two churches were St Mary’s Church and Presbytery on Ruth Street, and Sacred Heart RC Church on Whetstone Hill Road.

However, as of May 24, the plans for the demoltion of the churches have been removed.

When contacted by The Oldham Times, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Salford said: "The notice of demolition has been temporarily removed so some additional environmental surveys can be undertaken.

"Once the surveys are complete we plan to resubmit the notices."

Plans were submitted by the diocese on May 4 to knock down the two churches as they are unused and have fallen into a "dilapidated and derelict state of late due to vandalism".

It was originally hoped the demolition of St Mary's would be completed by August and Sacred Heart RC would be completed by November, however, it is now unclear whether this remains the case or if these targets have been pushed back.

The demolition of the two churches would be carried out by a mixture of hand and machine methods.

Due to a lack of attendance from the local parish, the churches have become empty and derelict.

St Mary's has suffered from high-level water ingress and dry and wet rot to the structural timbers.

The pulpit organ and other items of "historical importance" have already been removed and salvaged.

The proposals hoped the demolition of St Mary's would be completed by August.

The church was opened in 1839 in response to demand for a Catholic church in the Oldham area, and was designed by Matthew Hadfield who was the architect behind Salford cathedral.

The diocese previously said there are currently no plans to redevelop or restore the sites, but construction materials will be recycled where possible.