St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, which served Lansford borough for more than a century before closing in 2008, is set to be demolished.

Matt Kerr, spokesman for the Diocese of Allentown, said that the diocese has hired a contractor, the Building Recyclers of Kutztown, to demolish the century-old building.Crews were seen removing items from the church on East Bertsch Street this week, and borough officials say that the Diocese of Allentown has requested a permit to take down the building.The building has been slowly deteriorating since the parish was consolidated in 2008.This week, for the first time in years, there was activity at the building.Borough officials saidno permit has been given yet.The borough's zoning and codes officer, Steve Meylach, said permits are required for the demolition of a building, or the property owner could face stiff fines.Meylach said that the diocese has submitted an application, but it still must submit a plan to show how it plans to take down the building.Kerr said that the property has been listed on the market since 2008, with no buyers coming forward.The stained glass and iconography was removed from the church several years ago, and proceeds from the sale went back to the St. Katharine Drexel Parish, which was formed out of six Panther Valley-area parishes, including St. Ann's.But the building, particularly its steeple, have deteriorated in recent years.Birds circle the steeple and bushes have started to grow from its balcony.The parish once had its own school and convent.The school has been converted into senior apartments, and the convent was demolished in 2009.