Clubs under threat

THE soaring cost of power will have a terrible effect on voluntary groups all over the country, including Scouts, Guides and the WI.

Community centres, youth clubs and village halls will close unless the Government provides help.

I am chairman of a charity that owns and manages a community centre used by local organisations including clubs for the elderly, the young, families and the disabled.

Last year, our quarterly electricity bill was £650. We have just received a £4,000 bill for the last quarter.

our only revenue is rents paid for hire and we don’t receive any government grants.

The electricity companies regard community buildings as businesses and charge accordingly. At the very least, 5 per cent VAT on power bills should be removed.

ROY GREEN, Hersham, Surrey.