AN African church which set up in the basement of a building in Erith town centre has been given temporary permission to stay.

Bexley councillors have given the Redeemed Christian Church of God, based in Bexley Road, 12 months to see whether its activities, which include breakfast and after-school clubs, a nursery, evening classes and training events as well as church services, disturb its town centre neighbours.

Erith Snooker Club and a nearby resident had complained of noise and parking problems caused by the church and its members.

Councillor Munir Malik said most churches now also had community uses and the activities of the Redeemed Christian Church of God were beneficial to the community.

The church will also have to install soundproofing to prevent noise disturbance