Darlaston Town Hall costs more than £100,000 a year to run yet generated an income of less than £10,000 during the last financial year, it emerged today.
The future of the Victorian venue was thrown into doubt last year as monthly bookings dwindled to little more than one organ recital as people were priced out of hiring the hall.
And in September the crisis deepened after it was closed indefinitely on health and safety grounds.
Walsall Council is paying for essential repairs and has assured residents its future is secure, although the huge gap between operating costs and income needs to be addressed.
Council leader Tom Ansell recently admitted the building had been “neglected” by the local authority and needs £1 million spent on it to bring it up to scratch.
In 2005/06 the venue cost £114,000 to run, with income generated just £9,000. The council has to subsidise the difference.
In the same period Walsall Town Hall’s operating costs were £152,000 and income £35,000 - an even bigger deficit than Darlaston.
Darlaston Councillor Bill Madeley said: “We are doing everything we can to try and come up with a business plan to make the town hall more viable but we also need the council’s help.
“Events at Walsall Town Hall and Bloxwich Library Theatre are mentioned in a council leaflet but Darlaston constantly seems to be overlooked.”
Last year it cost £350 to £400 to hire Darlaston Town Hall for eight hours on weekdays, £500 to £550 on Saturdays and £650 to £700 on a Sunday.
Tim Challans,assistant director for leisure and culture, said: “We are looking to maximise income generated to help bridge the gap with operating costs.”
By Emma Tate
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