GOODWICK'S St Peter's Church will not reopen to the public, it has been confirmed.

The gothic style church, which is over a century old, is home to a steady congregation. It also hosts a Messy Church for young families and is a venue for the Fishguard International Music Festival and other musical events.

It closed its doors last February due to safety grounds; the dangerous condition of the electrical system meant it was no longer safe to hold services in the building.

The decision follows advice provided by a qualified electrician and was made in consultation with senior staff in the Diocese of St Davids.

It was initially thought that the closure would temporary to allow for essential repairs. However, following a quote of £200,000 the Parochial Church Council has decided it is not cost-effective to get the building back up and running.

"We've been told that the wiring and associated necessary work alone would cost £44,000 to put right," said focal minister Canon Sarah Geach.

"To restore the church completely would cost around £200,000. We are a small congregation and that sort of money is beyond us."

The 25-30 strong congregation will now go back to their roots, and worship at the mediaeval church at Llanwnda, St Gwyndaf's, the mother church of the parish.

Since the faulty wiring was discovered services have been held at Llanwnda and in the newly-refurbished church hall at St Peter's.

"We are still a worshipping community and this is a new beginning for us," said Canon Geach.

"Our church hall is now fully refurbished and used for services twice a month as well as being available for both parish and community use. It is already proving popular, and we are also continuing to develop Llanwnda as the focal point of the parish."

It is expected that the redundancy process for St Peter's will take about six months to complete. Responsibility for the building will then transfer to the representative body of the Church in Wales.