Concern at snooker club as church moves to 'utilise' space
BBCAn historic snooker club in Brighton is fearing for its future after its landlord - a church - announced plans to "utilise" its space for a "wider range of community needs".
St Matthias Snooker Club, which is named after the church where it was originally set up, pays a peppercorn rent of one shilling dating back almost 100 years.
However, the church said it was no longer in a position to continue that agreement as it wanted to "maximise creating multi-use and accessible space for everyone".
Snooker club secretary Micky Sandall said: "Our understanding has always been that we owned and maintained the building.
"We now face the prospect of paying rent on something we always thought we owned and have always paid for and maintained."
Club member Nicholas Berger said the venue had always operated in keeping with the church's values.
"The club was set up by church members, so we don't have a bar, we don't serve food and there's never been any trouble," he said.
"We run very much along church lines, whether we attend services or not."
A St Matthias Parochial Church Council spokesperson said it was working with members over the future of the building.
They said: "Whilst it wouldn't be right to talk about specific proposals discussed with the club, the church leadership has proactively engaged its leadership offering constructive and legal solutions that we hope will provide a bridge to secure an alternative home for the club, without risking its future."
A junior member at the club, Adam, said: "It wouldn't be very nice if it closed. It's a very good club. There used to be lots of snooker clubs, but they've closed down.
"It would be better to have more places like this."
Members say they are continuing to urge the church to reconsider, and a petition launched by supporters has gathered more than 1,400 signatures.
Update 3 July. This story has been updated to reflect that the church did not suggest it launched the plans as it needed to charge a commercial rent due to financial pressures. The BBC is happy to make this clarification.
