Six members of Johnstone Community Council have quit following a furious row over the running of the organisation.

Chair Geraldine McNealey, secretary Ronnie Hasson and treasurer Linda Flint handed in their resignations last week. Three other members of the council also quit at the same time.

They have been replaced by Tom Wallace, Kay Johnston and Alan Stevenson in their respective roles following an extraordinary Annual General Meeting (EAGM) last Thursday.

However, mystery surrounds the precise reasons behind the disagreement.

Kay Johnston said the row centred on a number of matters including a proposed £500 donation to local radio station Johnstone Sound.

However, the three former committee members have denied it is anything to do with the station funding.

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Ms Johnston claimed the radio grant was supported by the three who resigned, but opposed by the others.

Those who opposed the plan felt the money could be better spent, including on permits for next year’s Gala Day.

Ms Johnston claims that the three officials quit after the rest of the committee voted 4-3 against the station proposal.

She said: “There was quite a big argument and I can confirm that three members of the committee have resigned.

“They were unhappy at the responses they were getting from members to the allocation of funds and other matters.

“We have, however, been able to get the community council up and running again following the latest appointments.

“Elections will take place in October for the new committee and we would invite anyone with an interest to come forward.”

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Ms Johnston says they are also interested in recruiting new members to attend meetings.

She added: “It is very disappointing to lose three key members of our committee.

“But we are confident we can go from strength to strength.”

Councillor Ian McMillan, who was at Thursday’s EAGM, added: “It is vital we have a vibrant community council to keep the council and the councillors on their toes.

“I was glad that the three stepped up to the mark on Thursday to take over the committee duties.”

A statement released this week on behalf of the three former committee members said: “We resigned and categorically deny it was anything to do with a funding issue and we have no further comment.”

A spokesperson for Johnstone Sound added: “We have not at any time applied for funding from Johnstone Community Council.”