Council hits back in row over hall costs

Renfrewshire Leisure has refuted claims from a Bridge of Weir councillor which suggested rising charges were forcing local groups to cancel events, writes Jack Davidson, Local Democracy Reporter.

Councillor James MacLaren claimed the village’s horticultural society had to cancel an event after being quoted £750 to use the Cargill Hall.

He said:“Local groups and events deserve to have the support of their council but it appears the exact opposite is happening in Renfrewshire.

“This seems misguided from Renfrewshire Leisure and already we are seeing the effects of Cargill Hall not being used.

“I hope that Renfrewshire Leisure can look again at their pricing structure and bring about fairer charges for community groups.”

However, Joyce McKellar, Renfrewshire Leisure’s chief executive, said:“We have no record of the Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society wishing to book the Cargill Hall for an event and there have been no bookings for the Cargill Hall from this organisation since 2008.

“We are unaware of any cancellation of their event because of the level of hire charges. Even if the society had asked about hiring Cargill for two days, it would have cost £628 and not £750 as has been suggested. It is wrong and unfair to suggest Renfrewshire Leisure does not support local community groups .”