CHURCHES, charities and voluntary bodies are being warned not to count on free use of public halls.

They will be told there is no such thing as a 'freebie,' as the cost still has to be met by council taxpayers. And getting a concession for one year does not set a precedent for future years.

The warning has come from Rossendale's Leisure Committee which is being swamped by applications for free use of the borough's facilities.

The issue was brought to a head by the refusal of Haslingden churches to pay for use of the town's public hall for a Christmas carol concert which raised £467 for Derian House, Chorley, last December.

Organiser the Rev Ieuan Johnston complained because the council would not allow concessionary use of the hall for the second year running.

He said: "In the light of the huge amount of giving for such an event, it seems miserly in the extreme for the authority to demand its full pound of flesh."

The committee agreed to waive charges for last year but was told the churches have agreed to pay the full rate for hire of the hall this year.

Rossendale Mayor Coun Peter Heyworth said: "It's wrong for one organisation to get free use year after year. There are many other worthy organisations who readily pay for hire of the halls."

A playgroup has asked for cut-price use of the Haslingden hall butis also likely to be turned down. A decision has been deferred for further inquiries.

The committee was told only a downstairs room would get fire brigade and social services approval and this would disrupt the luncheon club and Age Concern.

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