Totton councillors have rejected calls to help hundreds of pensioners whose club has been hit by a massive rent rise.

Totton and Eling Town Council has increased the Three Score Club's annual ground rent from £5 to a thumping £1,425 in 12 years.

The club, in the town centre, has also suffered a drop in membership and says it is struggling to make ends meet.

However, its plea for a rent reduction was rejected at a meeting of the policy and resources committee, which controls the council's purse strings.

Town clerk Derek Biggs said: "We have a number of leases and do expect people to pay a reasonable rent.

"If we reduced the figure for the Three Score Club we would have to do the same for other organisations, which would have an impact on the council tax."

Councillors said fees for activities at the club were extremely low and should be raised to cover its running costs.

However, in a letter to the committee chief trustee Frank Smith said it was bound by its constitution to keep charges to a minimum.

The letter added: "The club offers a range of activities, all run by volunteers. We also offer companionship for the elderly, some of whom are recently bereaved, and in this respect we are an asset to the community"

The club, which has about 400 members, occupies a 42-year-old building that has been leased to it by the council.

A report to councillors said regulations required the authority to consult a valuer in 1992 and start charging a realistic rent. Since then, the figure had risen only by the rate of inflation.

Members said the club had received grants in 2001 and 2002, and pledged that the council would consider any additional pleas for financial help.

After the meeting club leaders declined to comment.