A CHURCH hall is due to be sold in order to give a much- needed cash boost to a York church.

Although the deal is yet to be finalised, the money from the sale of St Clement's Church hall has already been earmarked to help create a community space within St Clement's Church itself, which is situated half-a-mile away.

It is hoped the money will help to provide amenities for the community facility within the church, which is already in use by members of the congregation.

But the sale has left York Light Opera Society, which has been based in the church hall for over 35 years, effectively homeless.

"We will now have to find another home and somewhere else to store our costumes, music and equipment," said chairman Geoffrey Turner.

"It is disappointing, but these things happen and we will get on with preparing for our next show."

Communications officer for the Diocese of York, Martin Sheppard, said the move to sell the hall had the backing of most of the church: "We received almost unanimous support from members of the church.

"The money unlocked from the sale of the hall building will help to create a community space within the church, free up capital to do arrears and maintenance on the church building, and with the left over we hope to invest it to try to secure the future of the church."

Mr Turner said the society had had to make alternative arrangements as it rehearsed for it's next show, Scrooge.

He told the Evening Press: "We asked if we could stay until something positive was done with the hall, but that was not possible, so we have had to make the alternative arrangements, which has been difficult.

"We do call this place home, so for it to be sold, and then possibly demolished, is a real shame."

Although it is still not clear whether the hall will be demolished or not, it is thought the most probable use for it will be housing.

Updated: 10:52 Monday, December 10, 2001