Congregations at a Church of England and Methodist church in Trowbridge were given more time to consider their futures after a merger was discussed at a meeting last weekend.

The landmark Holy Trinity Church – known as “the church on the roundabout” could merge with Wesley Road Methodist Church.

Archdeacon John Wraw led the meeting at Holy Trinity in Stallard Street to discuss the bond the two churches have already made.

He ended by suggesting that a decision should be made on the possible merger by July.

He said: “We put a time limit on the decision-making process otherwise we would be thinking about this sort of thing forever.

“Nothing has been decided about the two churches merging and certainly not about the loss of either church buildings but we need to move forward with this.”

He said that both congregations have been asked to think about what options are available and what they would like to do.

“I think both congregations need this time to think about what is best for their churches and we will support them whatever they choose,” he said.

Despite the financial problems that Holy Trinity has had for many years, the Archdeacon is keen to reassure people the merger is not a cost-driven exercise.

He said that if the churches do choose to merge they stand to benefit from a new mixture of people with fresh ideas and new enthusiasm.

“I think we would have a new congregation that is full of ideas and energy to take parishioners forward,” he said.

“It is important that people given the space to think as it is a big decision and the future is open and bright.”

Holy Trinity parishioner Beryl Curtis, 80, believes that the prospect of a merger has been sprung on both congregations.

Mrs Curtis said: “We were preparing for the merger but were expecting it next year, not this suddenly.

“I get on quite well with members of the Methodist congregation but some people feel that if the churches merge one will lose its identity.

“I feel that people haven’t got long to decide and the merger would be too soon.”

Holy Trinity became known as the church on the roundabout after the inner relief road was built in the 1970s.