A Cheshire church has seen its congregation shrink by 80 per cent after becoming embroiled in a series of furious rows.

The long-running conflict at St Oswald's Church in Malpas, near the Welsh border, first erupted following the appointment of Rev Dr Janine Arnott in June 2022.

Since then, the number of worshippers has fallen from 60 to 10.

The 14th-century church has witnessed an exodus of parishioners and church officials since Rev Arnott's arrival, with tensions escalating to the point where police have become involved.

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, has issued warnings about the "devastating" effects on the community, and one resident said they couldn't discuss the holy "war" without getting a nosebleed.

The 14th-century St Oswald's Church has witnessed an exodus of parishioners and church officials since Rev Arnott's arrival

The discord began during a 2023 meeting when Rev Arnott told the church choir they could no longer sing the Agnus Dei prayer in Latin due to canon rules.

One local chorister, Diana Webber, went on to resign her position, claiming that Rev Arnott "appeared to have taken a dislike to the choir".

Tensions peaked during VE Day celebrations in May when Rev Arnott was accused of refusing to allow a village choir to sing "I Vow to Thee, My Country" in the churchyard.

A Palm Sunday meeting saw a vote of no confidence levied against the rector, which she lost by a landslide.

The vote was spearheaded by parishioner Liane Smith, 65.

Cheshire Constabulary have been called in to look into the chaos after the row escalated over Easter

After the crunch meeting, Smith attempted to publish minutes in the parish newsletter but was blocked by Rev Arnott.

She was then asked to step back from her church roles, with Smith fuming: "I left the church at that point.

"My husband and I have been married for 45 years and have been churchgoers for that whole time.

"Now we no longer go to any church."

This Easter, anonymous "poison pen letters" bearing the Diocese of Chester's seal appeared on cars and cathedral walls.

They read: "Dear Bishop Mark. Please do your moral duty and protect your flock.

"We shouldn't have to keep toeing the line only to get demonised by you. It's disgusting."

The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, has issued warnings about the feud's 'devastating' effects on the community

Bishop Tanner condemned the letters as "anonymous, factually incorrect, libellous, and sought by forgery to impersonate a bishop".

St Oswald's has also seen chief bellringer Ben Kellett removed, and the bell tower barricaded with broomsticks.

Local Dr Gregory Williams, 60, said: "The bells fell silent. The congregation numbers soon collapsed, and at the current time, very little money is coming into the church."

The Church's legal team said: "Of particular alarm is the misogynist tone of the letter - it is difficult not to comprehend the inference that your lawfully appointed incumbent is akin to a witch with a broomstick and the village should attend an 'Open Forum' on the matter.

"This isn't childish or petty, it is unlawful and inexcusable harassment."

The Diocese of Chester confirmed police were involved, with Cheshire Constabulary investigating harassment reports filed on Easter Sunday.