Volunteers who were working to keep a community hall open in the south of the island say a decision to sell the building earlier than planned has come as a ‘shock’.

The Ballafesson Community Club had been told it would have a year – from June – to make Ballafesson Hall viable otherwise it would be sold on the open market.

But volunteers say the Methodist Church changed the timeline, and the facility will now be closed and put up for sale on September 30.

Pat Harper believes the club has been ‘left in a limbo’ following the announcement but has chosen not to ‘run away’ from the issue.

She adds that a number of community organisations which use the hall have been left ‘saddened and disgusted’ at how the committee has been treated.

The club – which also includes Helena Clarke, John Radcliffe and Maureen Dadd – have organised a final coffee morning on September 28 which will be free of charge.

‘We had no word about the closure beforehand, and obviously it’s come as a shock to all of us that has tried to keep this place open for the community,’ Pat said.

‘There was an emergency meeting in the hall and I was actually there already showing somebody around that wanted to hire it. We both got quite a shock.

‘We were told quite bluntly, that the place would be closing and it was up for sale and that’s the only time we’ve been told.’

Meanwhile, the Methodist Church in the island said it is ‘surprised and disappointed’ to hear the comments made about the closure by the Ballafesson Community Club.

The church says a decision was made to have a period of time for prayer, discussion and consultation with members of the chapel and community about its future.

It adds this took place more than two years ago and in March a meeting was held, which was attended by some members of the hall committee, where it agreed to sell.