The congregation of a Hampton Wick church threatened with closure are angered over the premature "looting" of the church's memorials.

Jacquie Cox, a keyholder to Saint John the Baptist in Church Grove, was surprised to discover workmen bearing screwdrivers and pliers sizing up memorial boards for removal earlier this month.

Mrs Cox said: "This should not be happening and we were not told that these men were coming."

The boards, which list those from Hampton Wick who fell in the South African War, have lain in the church for over one hundred years after they were moved from the old town hall for safe keeping.

The workmen's appearance is considered an insult by the Hampton Wick Church Action Group who have been campaigning for St John's to remain open.

Hampton Wick resident, Ian Burgess, said: "I have used the word underhand and I am intrigued by the complete lack of communication with those who worship here."

Built in 1831, the Anglican church once hosted a thriving parish congregation.

But In 1986 St John's was deemed not financially viable, its vicar was removed and it became a united parish with St Mark's in Teddington.

Currently the Reverend David Lund conducts services at both churches.

However those attending St Johns' feel they have been overlooked in favour of the larger congregation attending St Mark's.

Mrs Cox said: "We don't have a Sunday school and there isn't even a Christmas carol service planned. Everything is done up at St Mark's because it's more convenient."

Last spring the church warden of the joint parish made a recommendation to the Bishop of Kensington suggesting St John's be closed on October 1.

But services at St John's have continued and the anger rumbles on as the congregation feels they have been kept in the dark about the proposed closure.

Mr Burgess said: "There's been a clear breakdown in pastoral care. Plus there is the assumption that our church is finished so looting becomes rescue'."

The Rev Lund said that the workmen were not operating under diocesan instructions and that the boards are the property of the council: "All I can think is that the council came to look at them with a view to resiting.

"But they can't remove them without permission from the church of England."

The Rev added that the decision to close St John's was not his to make: "It is in the hands of the diocese, the Bishop of Kensington and the Archdeacon of Middlesex."

A spokesman from the Bishop's office said: "The people of Hampton Wick are jumping up and down before we have finished the decision making process.

We are in consultation with the local clergy and need time to sort out the future of St John's."