PORTISHEAD’S United Reformed Church will go under the hammer later this month.

The historic church in Woodhill Road will be auctioned by Bristol-based estate agents and auctioneers Hollis Morgan on September 26. The guide price for the building, which dates back to the 1870s and has already attracted interest from around the country, has been set at �150,000.

Auction details suggest the non-listed building could be used for flats, family houses or a community facility like a creche or nursery. It also has scope for 15 parking spaces.

Portishead residents say they are waiting with baited breath, in hope that the building will be preserved, whatever it is used for.

The URC congregation moved out of the church in 2010 after rising maintenance costs proved unmanageable. Services are now held at St Nicholas Church in Nore Road.

The Lodge House, a Grade II-listed former toll house adjacent to the church, will also be sold at the auction, which takes place at All Saints Church in Pembroke Road, Clifton, at 7pm. The guide price for the early 20th century lodge, which is in need of full renovation, is �90,000.

In addition to the two historic buildings, the church hall opposite, which was built in 1950s, is for sale. It is believed that pre-application planning enquiries have been made to North Somerset Council for the construction of four homes on the site. Full details of the proposed sales can be found at www.hollismorgan.co.uk