Staff have been left devastated at the demise of the Mission to Seafarers on the Mill Dam in South Shields.

For more than 150 years, the charity has cared for the practical and spiritual needs of seafarers visiting the port.

But yesterday four of the remaining five staff were told they were being made redundant.

And the Mission's Mill Dam base, which closed due to electrical problems last month, is not to reopen.

The Mission is to continue as a "mobile ministry", with one full-time member of staff and a new chaplain soon to be appointed.

It is believed a new smaller base at the Port of Tyne Authority will soon be established.

Mission staff from London delivered the devastating blow at a meeting yesterday.

Today one of the members of staff being made redundant said: "We're bewildered at the decision."

A spokesman for the Mission to Seafarers in London said the closure had been taken after a "considered review of the building's operations, its suitability for seafarers and the requirements needed to meet health and safety commitments both now and in the future".

The spokesman added: "It's been decided the centre should be closed, and an alternative model of ministry found to ensure the society's work in the region can continue in an effective and meaningful way."

The Mission to Seafarers closed the building to the public and serving and ex-serving seafarers early last month to undertake a review of the building's facilities.

The spokesman added: "After giving the findings careful consideration,
The Mission to Seafarers Central Office Management Board decided that seafarers visiting the port would be better served with a mobile ministry of ship visiting by its staff. As such, a formal closure procedure of the Mill Dam premises has been initiated."

The Mission does not own the Mill Dam building.

It is leased on a peppercorn rent from the Nomad Housing group.

Work to bring the building up to standard includes installing a new fire alarm and emergency lighting.

It is believed that work would cost in the region of £12,000 to carry
out.

Until earlier this week, it was thought the Mission was seeking estimates to carry out the work. Now there has been a U-turn.

The Mission spokesman added: "Mobile ministries are not unusual models for The Mission to Seafarers to use. In fact, in some of the largest ports in the United Kingdom, the Mission employs a port chaplain with responsibility for visiting the ships and bringing the 'centre' to seafarers.

"The Mission to Seafarers recognises the great deal of affection and respect the Mill Dam centre enjoys from the people of South Shields, and the important role the centre plays in the local maritime community.

"However, it is only by making these changes and developing the ministry in this way that the work in the region can continue.

"By adopting this model of ministry, the Mission hopes to be able to better serve those seafarers who visit the port of South Shields, and all who call upon its services in their hour of need."

Karen Allen, prospective Conservative candidate for South Shields, received the news of the closure at a meeting of the Tyne Area Shipping Club last night.

She said: "News that the Mission will not reopen is a huge blow. I wish the combined facility at Tyne Dock every future success."