AMATEUR dramatic groups turned out in force in a bid to get councillors to soften the blow of a huge hike in theatre hire costs.

About 20 theatre group members confronted Chesham town councillors at a meeting on Monday to voice concerns over a sudden 67 per cent rise in hire costs for Chesham's Elgiva Theatre.

Actors and performers were left fuming in March after being told that the cost of hiring the venue for a week would soar from £1,125 to more than £1,800 from April 1.

They argued that the price hike, finalised at a council budget meeting in February, was too sudden and demanded councillors scrapped April's lump-sum rise and phase in the rise over three years.

Councillors agreed to go back on their decision but refused to spread the rise over three years. Instead they opted to introduce it in two equal stages over two years.

Cllr Alan Bacon (Lib Dem, Lowndes) admitted the council had failed to properly consult dramatists and had tried to introduce the increases too quickly.

He said: "I know that some very large increases have been approved and that there was concern about it. There was justified criticism from spokesmen from the theatre groups about the way in which the charges had been brought in and that they hadn't been consulted. I have to agree with that. The council has managed it very poorly."

Chesham Town Council says the rises are necessary to maintain the theatre and reduce cash subsidies from tax-payers.

But amateur groups, which depend on affordable hire rates to rehearse and perform, argue the rises could kill off amateur performances.

Ron White, a member of the Chesham Musical Theatre Company, said: "Can I ask that in future there is greater consideration between the theatre groups and the council. I'm grateful to hear about the phasing in but can we in future be consulted before it happens. We must be able to carry on."