POLITICIANS and community leaders today pledged to mount a full-scale campaign to save the historic Govan Old Parish Church.

The area's MSP and deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said it would be an act of "cultural vandalism" if the church, which contains 6th century religious relics, was lost.

And the managing director of a local regeneration company called it Govan's "jewel in the crown" as he branded the Church of Scotland's decision "nonsensical".

As reported in the Evening Times last night, the Kirk's arbitration committee has decided to merge three Govan parishes, closing both Govan Old and Linthouse St Kenneth's churches and keeping open new Govan Church.

Glasgow councillor Alistair Watson, chairman of Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency, said: "The Church has got this one wrong big time.

"I will be asking our chief executive to prepare a report which would identify ways of saving this historic landmark.

"I am also going to write to the Church of Scotland Moderator. I am full square behind retaining this as a working church and a unique place for people to visit.

"This is a piece of heritage we simply cannot afford to lose. We have lost far too much of Govan's history already."

Pat Cassidy, managing director of regeneration company Govan Workspace, said there was "absolute puzzlement" as to how the decision was reached.

He added: "In the last few years this church has become increasingly recognised for its real value, not just locally but as a site of national importance.

"We have been drawing up a conservation plan for Govan to highlight the significance of Govan's heritage. The jewel in the crown is Govan Old Parish Church. It is just so important for Glasgow as well as Govan.

"It is up there with St Andrews, Iona and Whithorn as a site of religious importance in Scotland."

Mr Cassidy described the decision as "nonsensical" and said he would support any campaign to save the church.

Ms Sturgeon said: "I'm concerned about the situation but I appreciate the Church of Scotland has difficult issues to face.

"There is enormous historical importance attached to Govan Old and it would be cultural vandalism to allow that to go.

"It is difficult for the Church but we have a historic treasure and we have to preserve it.

"I am more than happy to have discussions about how best to go about that and to retain the whole range of services there.

"I will explore all options to make sure we don't let something that is very precious be lost."