Pavilion 'driving locals away'

That is the claim being made by members of two different organisations who have cited high costs and poor planning as the reason groups are being put off using the building.

Bexhill Round Table organiser Darren Bush was quoted 750 plus VAT to hire the roof terrace for a four hour summer dance.

He has labelled the cost "way out of our league."

Bexhill RAFA president Ken Igglesden told the Observer about his difficulties in booking the venue for a 60th anniversary Royal Air Force Concert.

Mr Igglesden said one date had to be cancelled and he has been told the auditorium balcony may not be available for the newly arranged performance.

Pavilion officials have responded by saying they do not believe their costs are prohibitive and they offer a non-profit rate for charities.

The complaints follow dance school head Janice Blake being told the group could only book a weekday to perform their 2006 show.

The event is now being held at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings.

Mr Bush said: "No wonder they are in trouble. How can people in the community use it? We are part of the community but there is no way we would ever be able to afford to use the damn thing.

"Now the De La Warr Pavilion is open we just thought it would be a nice place to go but the prices are way out of our league."

As a registered charity the group were offered the non-profit rate of 525 but with use of the roof foyer the combined price was still over 700.

"We can't afford these prices. It doesn't even cover the cost of food. We (the community) fund the place. We actually pay half a million pounds towards its upkeep but can't afford to go there."

Mr Igglesden said he had trouble trying to book the Central Band of the RAF.

"I was given two dates in May (by the pavilion) and contacted the RAF at Uxbridge and was given a date. But on informing the pavilion I was told that this date was no longer available as a two-day conference had been booked. I then obtained another date - Wednesday, July 19.

"Also I have been told that, although I have booked the theatre and balcony, the balcony will not be available until the majority of the seats in the stalls have been sold. To me this seems wrong because people should have the option of booking the balcony, especially when it is a band concert.

"Why, oh why do things have to be so difficult?"

A pavilion spokesman said: "We never open the balcony until the seats have been sold in the stalls because opening the balcony is an extra cost to us and would therefore be a cost to the hirer we would have to add on."

The spokesman said the non - profit rate for hiring the pavilion was created with the intention of attracting organisations in Bexhill.

"I don't think other community groups have found our rates prohibitive. We are operating as a business and we do have to charge proper rates for events.

"Our rates are all set for, not that we make a huge profit on it, all the costs we incur when running an event at the pavilion."

On the Round Table booking issue, the spokesman said: "A representative from the Round Table came into the Pavilion and was given a copy of our venue hire pack which includes our rates for non-profit making organisations as well as our standard rates.

"Should he wish to take his interest any further then, as always, we would be open for discussion on his needs according to the event he wishes to present.

"Local groups such as Bexhill College, ESSPA, Race Action Forum and the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce have all hired spaces in the pavilion on this basis."