Town council supporting the community?

Peter Dolman · Town council supporting the community?

I have just learnt that the Ammenities committee have increased the cost of community groups who hire the town hall.

On April 1st 2009 the cost of hiring the corn exchange (the downstairs room) increased from £7.50 to £8.00 per hour. A not unreasonable increase you would say.
But then in the September meeting of the same committee they voted to increase it again from the 1st of January 2010 from £8.00 to £12.00 per hour. In addition a charge of £12.50 (+vat) is to be introduced for a set up cost. This covers putting out chairs and table something every one normally requires.

You could say that this is a reasonable charge but it must be remembered that most community groups are not profit making organisations and often represent the poorest members of our society.

I am more than aware of the need of the council to cover costs and keep our council tax to a minimum.

I would suggest that any group suffering from this increase to contact Marden house who I understand still charge £8.00 with no set up cost. One group who have used the town hall every month for 5 years have already booked Marden house for 2010.

The councillors may hope to generate more income by putting up the hourly rate but are unlikely to do so if they lose the regular users they already have.

Mark Wilkins

That seems about right for them! Shame, they obviously want to push the community groups out. A 50% rise in charges in 2010. Not really showing willing is it!

I had heard that they reworked the hire rates for Moviola to such an extent that it actually threatens the viability of the scheme. Only hearsay, but from a fairly reliable source.

Oh well. Thats progress for you!