Congregations are being given extra time to consider a report which recommended the closure of some of Brighton and Hove's best known churches.

The report by the Brighton and Hove Deaneries Strategy Review Group recommended the closure or re-structuring of 15 churches, including St Peter's, Brighton, and All Saints, Hove.

Suggestions and comments about the plans were originally due by the end of September, but because of the complex nature of the proposals the deadline has been extended to the end of November.

Rev David Guest, spokesman for the Diocese of Chichester, said: "It will give more time for people to respond and for the review group to meet with the 47 parochial church councils in Brighton and Hove to discuss the report.

"I would like to stress that nothing is being hurried and that none of the suggestions in the report are definite. The report gives an opportunity for parishes to re-think their futures and how they fit into the future work of the Church in Brighton and Hove.

"Some parishes have already accepted their churches will be closing, while others have a different view. No decision will be taken until there has been a full and thorough discussion".

The extension will give congregations fighting to save their churches, such as St Matthias, Brighton, more time to put forward their arguments.

Some of the churches mentioned in the 50 page report are already resigned to closing and being merged with others.

Dwindling congregations and maintenance costs triggered the two year investigation into the state of the city's churches.

It was led by the former chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council Glynn Jones. The work of all 56 churches in the city was assessed in the report with the aim of ensuring a strong and stable future for Anglician churches.