The hall’s trustees insist the new amount of £200 per month is fair and reflects the club’s status as a commercial entity which could operate every day of the year.
The club, which uses a room at the back of the hall and a bowls green, has 60 members paying an annual fee of £24. Committee secretary Malc Dennis said its contribution to the building went beyond rental income as improvements such as new kitchen and toilets and cladding had been installed at the club’s own expense.
He added: “We’ve been at the hall for 120 years and it’s heartbreaking to think what’s happening.
“We’re already down to three snooker teams, from four in the league last year, because we’re short of members.
“We had a rate rise last October and now this. Many of our members are older people and can’t afford to pay more.
“Surely there should be a bit of loyalty after 120 years?
“I know life is about money but it’s not all about money.”
Chairman of the hall’s trustees, Mick Pell, said they had inherited it in “a very poor state” and the review of user group rents followed improvements being made.
He believes the bowls and snooker club has benefited from having had little increment over the past 22 years and the new rate – set after a chartered surveyor’s report – was part of the trustees discharging their obligations.
Mr Pell added: “They were paying £1,200 [per year] for ten years and the previous 12 years it was £1,000.
“It’s a licensed social club and can be used 365 days per year. They do pay for their electricity and water rates – that is reflected in the costs.
“They have got the use of the land and buildings for less than £6.50 per day.”
He added: “I would not want to see the club close. I have been one of the stalwarts trying to save it.”
