WHEN Julia Drown has presented a petition, signed by 4,000 local people worried about the future of village halls, perhaps she can address an irritating problem affecting volunteers who run these useful services.

She may not be aware that we pay business rates to her Government out of our income from hirers.

We are fortunate at St Michael's Hall, in Highworth, in having the support of a church congregation and, as a charity we gain a discount.

Regular bookings pay for cleaning, heating and maintenance.

Members of our hard-working committee give their time and talents freely.

I have just finished dealing with revaluation of this small hall and revision of our rates, with much paperwork and many phone calls.

All officials were helpful and no doubt work hard but it was totally pointless as nothing has changed since the last revision.

I was mystified to learn that council-owned halls also pay business rates so officials have to visit and value every building.

We council tax payers pay rates to Central Government, which later gives money to the council to pay for such expenses.

I understand it even applies to public toilets, which may explain why for many years they have been closing down.

If the Government really intends cutting Whitehall jobs this seems a good place to start.

Julia Drown's friends could simply do away with the rating of publicly-owned or community-run buildings and save this expensive recycling of money. It would also help Swindon Council.

KEITH RATCLIFFE

Highworth