BOTH sides in Pershore Abbey's long-running pew controversy welcomed the compromise settlement announced this week after an unusual church court considered the matter in July.

The Vicar of Pershore, the Rev Michael Tristram, who wanted to replace most of the pews with modern chairs, said he was relieved by the diocese chancellor's decision, and added: "I hope there will not be any talk of winners and losers."

In July a church or Consistory Court heard the vicar and churchwardens argue for the removal of almost all the abbey's Victorian pews to make way for upholstered chairs which they said would be more suited to modern worship.

That view was strongly opposed by objectors who said the pews were an important part of the abbey that many wanted retained.

Delivering his judgement on Tuesday, the Diocese of Worcester Chancellor Charles Mynors, said there was much to be said for both views, but neither side had presented a conclusive case.

He ruled the nave pews should be retained, although modified to make them the same length, lighter and more flexible.

The introduction of chairs into the side aisles was approved, although their design has to be decided. He said the chair proposed by the vicar and churchwardens was unsatisfactory.

A selection of older pews will be retained in the abbey while the pews in storage can be sold to a 'suitable home.'

Mr Mynors said: "I trust all concerned will be able to put the past behind them and move on together to seek the common good in a spirit of co-operation."

Sue Clasen, one of those who spoke in favour of retaining the pews at the Consistory Court, said: "I'm delighted with the result."

Another who wanted to see pews stay was Charles Hudson from Wick, who said: "We live in such a fast changing world and people want to see the church as something constant and steady."

The ruling may be a compromise but the required modifications to the pews and design work on the chairs means it is at more than £50,000 not the cheapest way of resolving the issue.

The chancellor considered several options ranging from about £30,000 and Mr Tristram said the abbey's parochial church council would look at ways to raise the money.

"We hope everyone concerned will now work together to raise the funds to implement the chancellor's decision as soon as possible," he said.

The PCC, who were the petitioners at last July's hearing, are liable to pay costs expected to be several thousand pounds.

Mr Tristram said the PCC would meet early next month to consider the judgement and then work with its architect and the advisers to carry out the ruling.