AN SOS appeal has gone out to "Save Our Spire" - the crowning glory of a Victorian church that has been demolished to pave the way for housing.

The unique tower at the former Headless Cross Methodist Church in Redditch - built in the late 19th century and incorporating an openwork stone spire designed to withstand high winds after devastation wrought on the building by gales - has been taken down brick by brick.

It is currently being stored in Hereford in the hope that it could eventually be rebuilt somewhere in Redditch.

Now Headless Cross and Oakenshaw councillor Tom Baker-Price is spearheading a campaign to raise £35,000 to bring it back to the town.

He said: "In Headless Cross we have a great sense of community and pride in our history. The tower is an iconic part of our village.

"The tower must be resurrected back into the Headless Cross community as a lasting monument to the town's rich history."

Councillor Baker-Price is calling on residents to support him in the bid to bring the tower back and to contact him with a view to holding a public meeting to discuss a fundraising project.

He is also asking Redditch Borough Council leader Councillor Bill Hartnett and the site developer to take steps "to protect one of the most recognisable landmarks in Redditch from loss and eventual destruction".

The former church, in Evesham Road, Headless Cross, now lies in ruins after being demolished to make way for a housing development.

The spire and tower, built in 1896-7 after being designed by noted Birmingham architect Ewan Harper, was locally listed as a building of interest, although not nationally listed.

High winds destroyed the original Methodist Church on the site, which led to the distinctive design when it was replaced.

Councillor Baker-Price said: "It is a shame that, although locally listed by our planning department, we are held to ransom to buy back our history."

Councillor Hartnett said: "We've long supported the community's effort to retain the local landmark.

"The land owner has preserved the spire so that it may be saved and we will continue to help the community make this happen.

"For example, if they can raise the funds to buy it, we believe we could discuss finding a new site for it on council owned land."

The Victorian Society opposed the application to demolish the church and build homes on the site in the hope the building could be saved and adapted for a new use.

Derek Coombes, chairman of Redditch Local History Society, said: "The Methodist Church closed in 2009 because the building was unsafe.

"The owner of the site, Phil Thomas, has been very good about letting us photograph the church before and during demolition and in saving memorial stones to reunite with descendants.

"We would like to see it restored somewhere locally - perhaps at the Avoncroft Museum or even possibly on the corner of Headless Cross Green - but the problem is one of money."