SEVERAL local parishes around Haslemere will come under the combined responsibility of the Rev Nicholas Haigh, following a series of discussions.

Mr Haigh will take over as priest-in-charge at the parish of Lynchmere and Camelsdale as well as remaining the vicar of St Margaret’s Church, Fernhurst.

The decision comes after the resignation of the Rev David Talks, from Lynchmere, who continued as assistant curate at Camelsdale until he took up a new post.

Discussions have involved Mr Haigh, senior diocesan staff, the churchwardens and the PCC’s before the almost inevitable decision was taken.

Expected to take place this year after talks on the timing of local church services, two licenced readers Paul Bailey and Anita Haigh will conduct serves with the exception of Holy Communion and worshippers are expected to continue to travel between the churches which are in close proximity.

In the meantime a call has gone out for more volunteers to manage the additional administration the changes will bring.

A slow but sure transition and the importance of keeping up the good communication with parishioners remains a key feature of the changes.

Mr Haigh said: “I am looking forward to this new chapter in our parish lives together.”