A DECISION by Alton U3A (University of the Third Age) to put up its membership fees by a third to £49 per annum has faced strong criticism.

Others, however, believe that for the opportunity to attend as many classes as they wish – one a day would work at just £1 – is “amazing value” for money.

In a letter to the Herald this week, member Martin Nonhebel points out that the U3A membership has increased by nearly £10, or roughly 33 per cent, which he says is “a proportionate increase many times the increase in pensions”, bearing in mind that most members are pensioners on what he describes as “fairly niggardly amounts.”

He has been told the increase results from “substantial increases” in charges by Alton Commun-ity Centre, which hosts U3A classes.

As a result, he levels strong criticism at the local authorities concerning the state of the community centre which, he believes, is “a disgrace to the town” and only attracts the custom of U3A “because there is no alternative.”

He urges Alton Town Council – which provides grant support to Alton Community Association (ACA) towards running the centre but is in no way responsible for the building itself – and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) which is the owner of the building, to co-ordinate their efforts to provide the town with “a community centre of which it could be proud.” It is, he believes, “just as deserving a cause as a new sports centre.”

Responding, Alton Com-munity Centre manager Maria Elliott said the annual room hire fee had increased by just three per cent, as it does every year, to cover increases in general running costs.

She explained: “We constantly strive to ensure that our rates are affordable and in line with other facilities in the town. We are well aware that our building is old and not originally built as a community centre.”

She said they had made improvements over the years “and we are proud to be providing quality services from our ageing building.

“We are currently undertaking improvements to the toilets and café kitchen with a complete refurbishment,” mainly financed by EHDC and the county council. When the U3A returns in September it will be to much improved facilities.

She said she was aware that the U3A subscription had not been increased for many years, adding: “What they provide for £49 per year (the new increased membership rate) is amazing value and enables their members to attend as many classes as they wish. For less than £1 per week their members can attend a class every day if they so wish.

“I think that when they realise the value that this offers they will appreciate that the U3A have tried to soldier on for too long without charging a realistic price to cover their costs.”

U3A representative John Dickinson said: “In spite of the objections expressed, the enrolment day last Friday showed no significant downturn in numbers.”

As regards the use of the community centre as a venue, he asked where else in Alton would cope with the U3A, its strong membership numbers and range of activities.