TORIES have put Dorchester Conservative Club up for sale after it went into the red with debts of £142,000.

The Association of Conservative Clubs (ACC) has stepped in as trustees to take on the debts.

Nearly 100 members at a special meeting attended by an ACC representative agreed a resolution to sell the premises.

Now the club in South Walks is set to go on the market for up to £800,000 to repay the money to the ACC and to fund a move to new premises.

But members of a new committee – formed to deal with the problem – stressed that the club was still open for business and functions as any sale could be two years away.

Secretary Colin Lucas has agreed to help as he has former experience in the position at the club.

Mr Lucas said that the debt includes a £19,000 electric bill, part of a £79,000 mortgage taken out when the club was bought in 1964, a £30,000 extension for building works as well as further costs – including maintenance.

The club, which has been at its semi-detached premises for nearly 50 years, is more than 130 years old and has 400 members.

One member, who does not want to be named, said: “People were dumbfounded at the meeting. I can’t believe how it has happened. It’s been going on for three years. Surely somebody should have seen what was happening.”

He added: “£800,000 was mentioned at the meeting for the value of the place.”

New chairman Les Cuff said: “It is a hell of a deficit. It could have all been done a bit more efficiently. We have had hell of a struggle but we are turning it around.”

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin said: “The club is separate from the Conservative Association. I have no special knowledge of it all.”