Wardens at village church quit

Two church wardens have resigned from their posts in a Shropshire village. The wardens of St George's Church, Pontesbury, have each written letters of resignation to the Bishop for the Hereford Diocese Anthony Priddis.

Nigel Pearson and Bruce Norsworthy have both refused to comment on the reasons behind their decision.

It is also believed the woman who arranges the church flowers, Sue Pearson, a member of the parochial church council, has resigned.

Reverend David Hewlett, who was appointed Rector of Pontesbury in 2004 and was recently elected to the Bishop's Council, also refused to comment.

Deputy church wardens Helen McCall and Mary Worrall have now stepped up as acting church wardens until the annual general meeting in March.

Anni Holden, spokeswoman for the Hereford Diocese, confirmed both wardens had resigned.

She said: "They have not fully understood what the roles and responsibilities of church wardens are so have decided, having been in the job for nine months, it would be better to step down.

"The deputy wardens will take over until the AGM. They have not to my knowledge complained about the vicar to the bishop but I have not seen their letters."

Mr Norsworthy said: "I have resigned but it's just between me and the vicar. I am not prepared to comment."