Flimby's Methodist Chapel – the only community centre in the village – is to be sold.

Villagers have been told the Methodist Church wishes to take over vacant possession at the end of December so the building, no longer used as a chapel, can be put on the market.

Flimby councillor Peter Kendall said the council will try to get a deferment to give the village time to look at possible means of buying the chapel.

“During the December floods, this building was the glue that held the community together. It became the flood headquarters in Flimby. Had it not been there, life would have been made even more difficult for residents,” he said.

It is about eight years since the Flimby Youth Group moved from the band room into the chapel when it closed.

The youth group has around 100 members who meet on two nights a week. It is also used by the Flimby Carnival committee and other community groups.

Coun Carol Tindall, who leads the two youth group sessions, said the youth group, in particular, had redecorated the chapel and hall on at least three occasions.