|PIC1|The Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth is working with Roman Catholics, Methodists and Baptists to ensure a Christian presence in a major new housing development to be built to the west of Waterlooville.

Plans are being drawn up for a new Church of England school that could also double as a base for any future church congregation.

An ecumenical community worker may also be employed to offer pastoral support and ministry to residents. Part of their role would be to signpost them towards the existing churches of all denominations in Purbrook, Waterlooville and Denmead.

The Diocese of Portsmouth is adjusting parish boundaries to ensure that most of the new homes fall within the parish of St John the Baptist, Purbrook. The adjustment will mean St John’s Church is at the centre of the newly-formed parish instead of its present position on the edge of its existing parish.

Work has alread started on the new housing development and the first residents are expected to move in later this year. The Grainger Trust wants to build 1,500 homes, while George Wimpey wants to build 500 homes. There will also be shops, parks, new roads and office space.

The Archdeacon of Portsdown, the Ven Trevor Reader, is chairing meetings of church leaders, including Anglican clergy and representatives from Sacred Heart RC Church, Denmead Baptist Church and Waterlooville Methodist Church.

“We’ve been meeting for some time, and we’re all agreed on what we hope will happen,” said Mr Reader. “We think that a brand new church building would be inappropriate, as there are several churches of all denominations within easy reach of the new homes.

“But we do hope we can be involved in creating a new church school, with an ecumenical foundation to it."

He said Hampshire County Council had indicated its support for the school but no formal bid has been made yet. There is presently no Church of England school in the Waterlooville area.

A new priest-in-charge, the Rev Phil Amey, currently curate at Church of the Holy Spirit in Southsea has now been appointed to St John’s, Purbrook, with a view to taking on the newly-enlarged parish.