Two churches are set to close and could be sold due to “significant running costs”, leaving the congregation “hurt and upset”.

St Thomas’, in Minnis Road, and St Mildred’s, in Acol, Birchington-on-Sea, will shut after a “lengthy and challenging discussion” by the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

They considered reports on the group’s finances, which revealed “repairs necessary to churches to maintain and sustain them for the future”, and “other significant everyday running costs including maintaining halls”.

Rev Mark Ham, priest-in-charge of the Birchington All Saints Parish, said: “There will be considerable upset, hurt and sadness in the congregation with the closing of buildings, but with the challenging financial position - current and historic - there were very limited options left.”

It is hoped shutting the two places of worship will “maintain and sustain” the future of the parish’s other two buildings, All Saints and Church House, and help “ensure the financial viability of the parish”.

The agreement will begin a process of “full and open discussion” including a public consultation with church members.

Stephen Taylor, Canterbury Diorecan secretary, told KentOnline the decision has not been taken rashly.

“This will be the beginning of a long process - any closure of a church will be subject to consultation,” he said.

“All PCCs always have to look at the sustainability of churches.

“What usually happens now is a public discussion about the future of the properties in which lots of different viewpoints are held.”

He said that going on the open market is not the only possible future for the historic buildings.

“An organisation might want it for a different use,” he said.

“So it may be that a community group would like to acquire them.

“There are so many different scenarios that a church could find itself in.

“The PCC took a responsible decision and started these discussions - which could lead to the churches’ sale.”