A 100-year-old church organ could be winging its way to Italy after renovation estimates rocketed to nearly £50,000.
The organ, thought to have stood in Holy Trinity Church in Wrockwardine Wood for around 100 years, could soon be heading for warmer climes after it was revealed estimates for renovation were too high.
Church-goers have been told they have an interested buyer in the mediterranean and if given the nod by church officials the organ could be gone in December.
It is now planned to replace the internal pipe organ with an electronic one which will slot into the pipe organ casing.
Rev Matthew Stafford said: “The organ is heading to Italy. It is just the internal pipes, the external pipe work stays, and an electronic organ slots inside. It will still look like a pipe organ.
We can’t afford the restoration as it would cost up to £40,000 to £50,000. Unless you are a sound specialist you will not notice the difference in sound.”
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Lichfield said he hadn’t heard of organs being sent to Italy before.
“There are a whole range of ways organs can be disposed of,” he added
The organ will remain in the church until December while details are finalised.
The church is also selling off old pews after deciding to replace them with modern church chairs.