The president of a Cockermouth bowls club has stepped down following an onslaught of derogatory online comments about the club.

David Taylor was so upset by the comments on a town Facebook page he has resigned from his role at Croft Bowling Club.

The messages were sparked by a post from someone who claimed that benches recently sold by the club to a salvage yard in Hexham originated from the town’s railway station, which closed 50 years ago, and should have been kept in the town. Many people commented, condemning the club for their actions.

Mr Taylor responded to the post, which has since been taken down, saying that while the benches were believed to have originated from the station there was no proof. He said they were in a bad state “very old rusting iron, rotting timber, none of which is original” and had been repeatedly repaired.

He pointed out that they had been offered for sale locally on various online groups.

“So lots of locals had the chance to make an offer,” he said.

“Some of the comments I’ve read above, are not just shocking, but upsetting." We should be thanked for keeping these benches to a reasonable standard over the years, not ridiculed and insulted for selling them to someone who is going to restore them to as good a condition as possible.”

The day after the seven benches were taken away – and following the online upset – the club was in touch with the buyer who confirmed they would be returned to the area.

Club secretary Huw Crosby said: “This criticism could not have come at a worse time for the club. We exist on a limited budget and it is only through the work and effort of a handful of volunteers that we are able to stay open and remain as a viable club. There are no paid staff.

“David has been a truly outstanding president and ambassador. He has performed many tasks and roles above and beyond the requirements of his position. For his tenure to end in this way is saddening. It is infuriating that he has been affected in this way by a bunch of internet trolls.”