A group of churches in and around Andover has suspended all communal worship until further notice.

The Pastrow Family of churches, including places of worship in Hurstbourne Tarrant, Smannell and Weyhill, is to close its buildings to groups of worshippers until at least February 15 due to the rate of infection in Test Valley.

The closure will happen immediately, with online services to be offered.

Reverend Alex Randle Bissell from Pastrow Family said: "This was a difficult decision for us. However, after consultation, we decided that for now, it was the best course of action. We just feel that with the current infection rate so high, and the demographic age of many of our congregations, we need to keep people as safe as possible and show due care to all.

“We plan to review this again during the week beginning February 15."

Under lockdown regulations, communal worship is permitted, with limits to be decided on the capacity of the building and a risk assessment. Individual prayer is still permitted, as are funerals of up to 30 people, as well as weddings and commemorative events of up to six.

The Pastrow Family of Churches will continue to offer services online. Sunday services will be held at 10:00am, with a virtual coffee events for the congregation afterwards, while daily services will be held at 9:00am on all other days of the week for 25 minutes.

An online Bible study group will also be offered on Tuesdays at 7:30pm, beginning January 12, and a morning communion on Wednesdays at 10:00am from January 20. These can be accessed through the Pastrow Family website.

The churches will also be offering calls for support and prayer, with all members of the public urged to call if they would like assistance.

Reverend Alex Randle Bissell continued: “We are also setting up a system where we can arrange a weekly phone call if anyone would like this. For this latest lockdown period we have formed a group who can call people to have a catch-up with news and also, if they wish, to offer a prayer. If anyone would appreciate this, or knows someone who may do, then please contact Judith Appleby on 07999 352585.”

More information regarding the services can be found on the Pastrow Family website at www.pastrowbenefice.org.uk