Manningtree Salvation Army Citadel is to close.

The Mill Lane building is to be sold but the 120-year-old corps will continue its work in and around England's smallest town.

Plans are being made for the Sunday services at least to be held in Manningtree Methodist Church Hall, in South Street, although no date has been set for the move.

With events already arranged into the summer months, commanding officer Captain Ester Tangi said no decision had been made yet on when the move would go ahead.

Eight months ago it was revealed that due to the poor state of the citadel, which was built in 1884, the corps was looking for a new home as it was felt the cost of the necessary repairs was too expensive to consider.

A spokesman for the Salvation Army at the divisional headquarters in Hatfield Peverel explained then nothing had been decided on the long-term future of the building.

Now the spokesman has confirmed the building would be put up for sale fairly soon. But he stressed: "There is no intention for the Salvation Army to cease operating in Manningtree."

Although a small group, the corps is very active, with a songster brigade and band. Two meetings are held every Sunday, there is a Home League, Bible study group and children's club. Jumble sales are held monthly and a weekly coffee morning is popular with Saturday shoppers.

The corps was established in 1882 by Capt Ada Smith with the help, first of Lieut Winch and then Lieut Minnie Bass, who were sent to the town by General William Booth, and was the 395th formed in this country.

Its first headquarters was in a coffee house in High Street. From there it moved to the public hall and then to its present building 118 years ago.

Published Monday January 14, 2002