THE SALE of two landmark church halls has been agreed.

The United Reformed Church in Wanstead has accepted an offer from a buyer for its Grove and Centenary Halls, with the purchase due to be completed early in the new year.

The buildings are currently used by a range of community groups - some of whom may now face having to find a new home.

The Guardian reported last month that the cash-strapped congregation was planning to sell the buildings to raise the £750,000 needed to make repairs to the rest of the church in Grosvenor Road.

Rev Rosalind Selby was unable to give the name of the buyer but said it was purchased by a group that 'benefits the community.'

She said: "A group that will benefit the community has made an offer which has been accepted.

"We are hoping the sale will be completed early-ish in the New Year.

"As far as I know at the moment the halls will continue to be used as halls."

Rev Selby said she and the congregation had been working hard to ensure the halls' users were offered alternative accommodation.

She said: "We hope to accommodate most of the halls' current users in our remaining buildings.

"We will hold a church meeting in February to look at proposals put forward by four architects for the repair and re-ordering of the rest of the church."