MORE social clubs throughout Hyndburn could benefit from extended rate relief now that a new working group has been established.

In 2000 it was agreed that a 50 per cent discount would be given to selected social clubs -- and 11 out of the 15 workingmen's clubs in Hyndburn took advantage of this along with a number of the borough's cricket clubs.

The working group, chaired by Coun Stan Horne, will now discuss the options for extending rate relief to all social clubs in the borough.

Jim Winterbottom, secretary of Hyndburn Federation for WMC, said: "This has been a great financial help to us. A lot of clubs have a bill of £6,000 so the £3,000 benefit can be used to pay other bills and in effect keep the doors open.

"All 15 clubs in the area were entitled to this discount but didn't all put in for it and I would urge the other four to do so.

"The image of working men's clubs has changed over the years and women are now on most of the committees as well as the theme changing more to that of social clubs."

WMCs, which are owned by the members, provide entertainment in the form of artists, sports and bingo as well as being used for residents association meetings and for private functions.

But financing them has been a problem in recent years and three in Hyndburn have closed down because of the financial strain. This rate relief will go a long way to resolving this problem.

Coun Stan Horne, chairman of the new working group, said: "The council has welcomed the opportunity to look into this matter and establish fair rules and to see if it can be spread more widely throughout Hyndburn."