Some 14 Church of England parishes in Warrington and St Helens may soon unite as part of the Liverpool Diocese’s Fit for Mission programme.

The proposal was unveiled at a well-attended meeting held at St Peter’s Church, Newton-le-Willows.

The initiative builds on similar efforts already underway in nearby areas such as West Derby and St Helens.

If approved, the churches would combine into a single parish, supported by shared resources, professional advice and enhanced administrative systems designed to free clergy and volunteers to focus more on mission and pastoral care, as reported by St Helens Star.

Reverend Martin Cox, priest in charge of St Oswald’s, Winwick, and rector of Christ Church, Croft and Newchurch, described the vision as: “an exciting development for the mission and ministry of the Church of England in the Winwick Deanery".

He added: “The Fit for Mission project will introduce a new culture through a large single parish.

"It will effect closer connections between member churches who will be strengthened by joint resources and specialist advice.”

The decision-making process is now underway, with participating churches expected to confirm their involvement by October.

If given the go-ahead, the transition to the new structure would take place over two years, beginning in 2026.

Among the 14 churches included in the proposal are St Oswald’s in Winwick, All Saints in Newton, St Michael’s in Burtonwood and St James in Haydock.