A martial arts club and a football team have been forced to find a new meeting place in less than a fortnight after a school decided to stop hiring out its sports centre without warning.

Sittingbourne Judo Club, which has about 50 members aged five upwards, has been using the venue at Sittingbourne Community College (SCC) every Thursday between 7pm and 9pm for the last 14 years.

However, when founder member David Hughes arrived to set up at about 6pm on July 16 he was told by manager Carol Harris that no more private bookings were being taken and the group would have to find another place to hold its sessions when its block booking finished at the end of July.

Rod Trueman and his mates were also informed when they turned up to play five-a-side football on July 14, that it would be their last game.

The team, which is made up of about 20 men aged 16 to 63, has met at the centre every Tuesday night between 8pm and 9pm for some 30 plus years.

“I'm angry. I feel we should have had a bit more notice and a decent explanation as to what’s going on” - judo club founder David Hughes

It is understood dozens of other clubs, groups and organisations that pay to use the building have been left in the lurch due to the sudden decision.

A number of employees are also said to be losing their jobs as a result.

Mr Hughes, 58, who lives in Milton Regis, said: “We were just told we wouldn’t be able to book the hall anymore.

"Everything outside can still be booked.

“Apparently it’s due to them restructuring, whatever that means.

“I’m angry. I feel we should have had a bit more notice and a decent explanation as to what’s going on.”

Mr Trueman, 52, who lives in Bredgar, said: “We assume it’s to save money but no one knows for sure.

“Everyone is still in a state of shock. We had no letter, no notice, nothing whatsoever.”

Fortunately the judo club has been able to hire Kemsley Community Centre on the same night and times.

The football team will hire a hall at Swallows Leisure Centre on a different night.

The married dad-of-two added: “There are concerns others may not be able to find alternative premises at such short notice.”

SCC officials could not be reached for comment.