WALKING through the middle of Kidderminster can feel disheartening.

After the economic crisis, so many shops and businesses have closed that the town centre sometimes feels like a shadow of its former self.

Many of us remember Woolworths, Littlewoods, Owen Owen, Broadhursts, Timothy Whites, the bustling indoor market.

Plans in the pipeline will mean more changes to our town; and it is hoped that the developers will have the wisdom to keep what is good of the old, what is precious in people’s memory and the history of the town, as well as bring in the new.

Often the buildings that have stood longest in our towns are its churches. Yet how often do you think to push open the doors and pay a visit?

Some of them may be empty, places for quiet thought and reflection; in others you will find coffee shops, children’s groups or stewards to welcome you and show you around. All of them are there for you. But for how long?

How would our town feel without its churches? What if we lost them as well? The viability of a church depends on people; not just its Sunday congregation, but people who care about having a place to step aside from the world for a short while and spend some quality time with God. Why not try it for yourself? Before we lose something else.

REV ALEX VACCARO Assistant Curate, Kidderminster Parish Church Team Ministry