MEMBERS of Alton Town CouncilÕs recreation committee have given their seal of approval to an average five per cent increase in charges for the hire of sport and leisure facilities at Alton Assembly Rooms, Anstey Park and Jubilee Playing Fields.

In explaining the recommendation by ATC policy and resources committee colleagues, town clerk Steve Parkinson, confirmed that the new rates would be Òmiddle of the roadÓ and broadly in line with fees charged by other councils, with Òconsiderably lower ratesÓ for juniors using the councilÕs sports facilities.

To take effect from April 1, the new rates will mean, for example, that the minimum charge for hire of the large hall at Alton Assembly Rooms will rise from £38 to £40.50 for three hours, and from £13 to £13.50 for each additional hour or part hour. The minimum charge for hire of the lower and upper rooms will increase from £17 to £18 for two hours and from £8.50 to £9 for every additional hour or part thereof.

The hire of rugby pitches at Anstey Park will increase from £31.50 to £33 for adult matches and from £15.70 to £16.50 for under-18s, while football pitch hire will see a £1 increase for adult matches to £23 and 50 pence for juniors to £11.50.

There is still no charge made for casual users of the tennis courts but the cost of flood lighting will increase by 20 pence to £3.80 per half hour. The hire of netball courts will increase from £6.70 to £7.50 per hour for adults but will remain at £5 for juniors.

The hire of football pitches at Jubilee Fields will increase from £29.20 to £31 for adult matches and from £14.60 to £15.50 for under-18s, while the cricket tables (including changing facilities) will increase from £35.30 to £37 for adults and from £17.60 to £18.50 for juniors.

Cricket fees will see a similar rise at Anstey Park where they are on a par with Jubilee Fields, and both sites show reduced fees for rugby, football and cricket training sessions.

Allotments fees saw a four per cent increase from £10.10 to £10.50 per single plot from January 1.