A GROUP of borough councillors are set to have meetings on an ad-hoc basis to try to develop a policy for Andover's Guildhall.

Despite being the town's most majestic building, having stood since 1825, the various bodies which have been responsible have never had a policy for halls.

The council's executive is expected to receive a report on the idea in the new year.

In a report to the council's corporate and economic scrutiny committee Test Valley Borough Council's property surveyor John Palk said there are a number of issues that needed addressing. "Commercial bookings by traders have given rise to complaints from town traders of unfair competition due to what is considered a low hire charge," said Mr Palk.

"The new furniture in the upper hall at the Guildhall together with the installation of a lift offers a more flexible layout and improved means of access.

"This has provided an opportunity for marketing the upper chamber to a wider use.

"However the anticipated increase in use has not come about."

Other than the council itself the only other occasional user of the upper floor is a marketing organisation but the lower hall is let for almost half the available time - more often than not to concessionary users although commercial companies account for 28 per cent of bookings.

The income generated by the bookings amounts to £27,300 a year but the costs associated with providing the hall is £81,540.

At present concessionary rates, offering a 25 per cent reduction on the private hire rate, are not available at weekends but this could change to boost the use of the hall.

The reports say the provision of a service is important for the community and can be subsidised by the tax payer but asks whether the existing system and charges are fair.