Maidstone Sailing Club face winding up unless they can find a new base by Friday, May 30.

By then members must quit the clubhouse in Mote Park that has been their home for half a century.

Members had hoped that Maidstone council would issue them with a lease on another stretch of land in the park, so that they could store their boats and equipment.

Commodore David Fillery said: “We began disposing of the chairs and crockery from the clubhouse.

“We have called an extraordinary meeting of the membership for June 11, at which we will propose that the club be wound up.

“We really have no choice. After Friday we will have nowhere to store our boats and equipment.”

He added: “Members have been drifting away to join other clubs. Who can blame them?

“For the past three years we have been trying to negotiate with the council for a new site in Mote Park. But the council has made no effort whatsoever.”

Maidstone council spokesman Roger Adley said: “There is no reason why sailing should have to stop in Mote Park. We have been talking with the sailing club for years.

"We have found another site for their boats and granted planning permission.

“But we are dealing with taxpayers' money and cannot give the club a grant or a lease until it has shown that it is financially viable and has a proper business plan.”