Mystery over Aquarius future

The future of Hednesford's Aquarius Ballroom is shrouded in doubt amid rumours it has closed and the moving of a charity event, which was scheduled to take place at the venue next month.

Last month Ron Bridgewater, who runs the ballroom with wife Lynn, said he would have to close it if Cannock Chase Council failed to grant hardship relief.

The council agreed to a 40 per cent rate cut for this financial year, rather than the 100 per cent the couple had asked for, which would have cost the authority £16,416. It was hoped this would secure the venue until a replacement is built as part of the Hednesford town centre regeneration scheme.

Today, Mr Bridgewater would only say the Aquarius remains open and a meeting with the council has been arranged for next Friday, after which he would make a statement.

But council spokeswoman Sandra Richards said officers have no knowledge of any meeting, while the County Air Ambulance has been forced to switch its fundraising dance on November 24 to Wolverhampton's Goodyear Pavillion.

Hednesford North ward councillor Doris Grice has called for the Bridgewaters to clarify the situation.

She said: "I think people have a right to know what is going on. I had a call the other day to say it was closed.