A FORMER Leominster church, once a hot-bed of anti-drinking Christian fundamentalists, could become a snooker hall and bar.

Ross-on-Wye entrepreneur Martin Roberts who established a successful snooker club in Ross - which he sold last year - has bought The Brook Hall, Broad Street, Leominster.

Mr Roberts, his father Ken and their partner James Arbourne are seeking approval to convert the historic grade II listed building into four flats, snooker hall and bar area.

Brook Hall, sold by a modern Christian group, was - for most of its history - the place of worship of a strict nonconformist sect, The Brethren, formed in the 1820s and prominent in Leominster early last century.

Members regarded the Bible as infallible, stood for world-renouncing piety and abstained from alcohol.

The hall takes its name from the Pinsley Brook, which once ran past the north side of the building and where believers were baptised.

Mr Roberts has no qualms about using the old church for the earthly pursuits of pool, snooker and drinking.

Leominster is short on leisure facilities particularly for younger people, he says. He is promising to manage the new club with a firm but friendly hand. Children will be welcome but will not be allowed in the bar. Special Saturday morning pool sessions will be held for young players.

The empty building will be given a new lease of life. "It is rather run-down and needs a lot of attention. We will do all the work very sensitively, we realise it's a very historic building," said Mr Roberts.

He is interested in the hall's history and hopes to find ways of conveying a flavour of the past.

If planners give the green light the Mighty 8 Pool Club will be opened by a celebrity player at the Brook Hall later this year.

s BROOK Hall, Leominster - entering a new phase of life. 040651-2