THE credit crunch has scuppered conversion plans for an iconic former church in Wirral.

Grade II-listed St John’s Church, in Seacombe, was closed by the Church of England several years ago and sold for residential use.

In August, 2006, Wirral Council granted planning permission – now expired – for it to be turned into 28 apartments.

But the owners of the church, Bury- based WDI Properties, went into receivership in October and the building is now being advertised for sale for £300,000.

Local councillors and Friends groups say they fear the building, which is in a prominent location on the edge of Central Park, could become “another Liscard Hall”.

The former art school fell into disrepair and was demolished two years ago after an arson attack.

John Shaw, of Manchester property consultants Eddisons, which has been appointed to sell the church, said: “We have had interest in it and there was some from a local chap.

“It did have planning consent for residential use, but it’s difficult to say if such a scheme could stack up now in this market.