St Andrews Church’s Mark Barnett said the church was concerned that shifting the southern bus stop from St John Street to the corner of Paterson and St John streets would not solve issues with behaviour.

‘‘It would clearly impact the function of the church if there weren’t issues addressed in respect of moving the problems from one part of the city to another,’’ Mr Barnett said.

‘‘If you can picture a whole bunch of people lining up to get on a bus when a funeral was happening, how would you get the casket into the church?

‘‘Where would they park?’’

The proposed area for the bus stop is on a grassy strip directly outside the church’s doors.

Mr Barnett said the church was happy to work with the council and support its decisions, proposed in its Launceston City Heart Project plan, but that its views needed to be heard.

‘‘Our position is that as a church we regard ourselves as an important part of the community,’’ he said.

‘‘While we’re keen to work with the council to get the best outcome, we just want them to be aware that without addressing the issues we see as important, it could jeopardise our ability to function.’’

Mr Barnett said a presentation had been made to the council and believed aldermen understood their position.