Wagin community rocked and deeply saddened as the search for missing man James Ballantyne is suspended

The tight-knit community of Wagin have been left devastated following the suspension of the tireless search for 87-year-old James Ballantyne, whose family has been described as a “treasured” part of the town.

Mr Ballantyne, who is living with dementia was last seen about 10.30am last Saturday when he left his home for a walk.

Police formally called off the search on Thursday afternoon after six days of extensive searching by multiple agencies and volunteers through a big expanse of bush and farmland around the region failed to find a trace of Mr Ballantyne.

His disappearance has deeply affected the small town, which has a population of about 1500, and where Mr Ballantyne is a well-known and much-loved local.

Pharmacy assistant and Wagin resident Paige Benson said the community had remained hopeful throughout the search but was now struggling with the news.

“I think the community are worried,” she said.

“They’ve had hope and sort of lost hope since like the fifth day.”

Ms Benson said the news would be particularly difficult for Mr Ballantyne’s family and for those in the community who knew him.

While Ms Benson did not know Mr Ballantyne personally, she said his disappearance had been a major talking point among locals.

“I don’t know him personally but people have come here asking if we have heard anything and I think its just going to be extra hard for the community who knew him,” she said.

“He was very loved and most people that have lived in Wagin for a bit know him well or know of him.”

Acting Wagin president Bryan Kilpatrick said the shire “shared in the anguish and disappointment” that the tireless efforts of searchers had not turned up any results.

“It’s very sad and disappointing that despite the great efforts of police, SES and emergency services that we’ve not been able to find Mr Ballantyne,” he said.

“The community at large is obviously very sad, but it has been amazing to see how they have helped with the search, provided food and offered any support they can.

“The Ballantyne family are a treasured part of our community and I’m sure they will be supported at this difficult time.”

Cr Kilpatrick reminded the community to stay vigilant and report anything of note to the police and requested that continued search efforts were conducted in a respectful manner.