Bats in its belfry cause British church to close

A beleaguered 11th-century church in England is losing its worshipers
and has been forced to suspend services indefinitely because of bats in
its belfry.

Bats are a protected species in Britain, and the
Anglican St. Hilda's Church in Ellerburn, North Yorkshire, is trying—so
far with no luck—to get a license to get rid of its share of them.

Churchwarden
Liz Cowley said the bats have taken up residence in the church's upper
regions and are making a mess of the place. "The walls and floors are
covered with bat droppings," Cowley told the BBC. "We have tried to keep
the church clean, but we have lost the battle."