Amateur groups which stage productions in Worthing's top theatres may have to fold after an increase in hire charges, a councillor has warned.

Councillor Brian Lynn said Worthing Operatic Society had to disband last year, having just completed its centenary, partly because of ever-increasing costs.

He now feared at least one other group in the town could go the same way after the fee for hiring the PavilionTheatre was upped.

Coun Lynn said: "There are a number of amateur groups in this town which have provided entertainment to an extremely high standard.

"With an increase of almost ten per cent above current charges, it could be that for one or more of our companies it might be the last straw. How does he (Councillor Maurice Tucker, head of leisure and cultural services) justify this swingeing increase in charges massively above the rate of inflation?

"If amateur groups were forced to close, this would result not only in an irreplaceable loss to the entertainment programme but also irretrievable damage to the community spirit of this town."

Councillor Tucker said the price rise at the Pavilion brought hire charges in line with those at the Connaught Theatre.

He said the costs were not swingeing but still extremely favourable, adding: "I dont want to see any activity lost."

Councillor George Stephens asked if the Connaught in Union Place was safe in the hands of the Liberal Democrats amid concerns it could be redeveloped as part of plans to build on the neighbouring NCP car park and police station site.

Councillor Chris Sargent, head of economic development, said there was no danger of the Connaught disappearing.

In fact, the council wanted to augment and enhance the theatre.