Charities have been dragged into the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the closure of Ulverston's Town Hall.

South Lakeland District Council unanimously approved plans to transform the Town Hall into affordable homes - a move that would see the Town Council move into the larger Coronation Hall.

It left Ulverston's councillors with a choice: comply with SLDC and vacate the town hall or refuse and face the closure of Coronation Hall - the town's social hub.

They are expected to make their decision before the New Year.

This confusion is bad news for the three charities using an annexe at the Town Hall as their base - they fear the move might leave them homeless and leave the people they care for helpless.

Clare Tyson, chief officer at local charity Ulverston Mind, who shares the building with Age Concern and the Citizens Advice Bureau, said she is at her 'wits end' and that SLDC have failed to 'fully assess the negative impact' the proposed move may have.

Speaking to the Gazette, Ulverston Mayor Helen Irving tried to offer the charities some reassurance.

She said: "I have spoken to the chief executive of SLDC, Lawrence Conway, and he assured me that he will work alongside the charities. There is nothing set in stone yet and if need be he will find other accommodation for them. If the Town Council decided that they weren't moving out of the town hall then the charities won't move out but at this moment we don't know what's going to happen."

However, Phil Lister, councillor for East Ward, described the uncertainty over these charities' future as 'a dire situation'.

"These aren't shops they are running," said Coun Lister.

"These are places where people meet and gather, places where social events take place. These are multi-activity hubs and there's people who's only social outlet is with these charities.

"I think SLDC has shown itself in its true colours again - to move these people's services to Kendal means you might as well be moving them to Pluto."

The potential disruption to these charities could result in Town Councillors refusing to leave the Town Hall.

Coun Lister said: "I can't help but notice that if we didn't quit the Town Hall then the charity position will be much stronger."