RENTS on meeting rooms and lecture theatres at libraries in Bolton are to go up by as much as 14 per cent.

Charges will also be introduced to rent projectors and other resources.

Bolton Council says it has increased the charges after spending money improving the facilities.

The Small Lecture Theatre at Bolton Central Library in Le Mans Crescent has gone up from £70 to £80 for the first three hours, a rise of 14 per cent.

The Lecture Theatre has had an eight per cent increase in cost from £111 to £120.

Meanwhile, charges for an additional hour at both venues have gone up by between 20 and 24 per cent. The Green Room has gone from £35 to £36, a relatively small three per cent hike, for the first three hours.

A charge will also now be made for projectors and flip charts, bringing charges into line with those made at the Albert Halls and other council venues.

There will be a £10 charge for rental of a data projector, laptop and screen package, and a £5 charge for flipchart stand with paper and pens.

Prices for the two meeting rooms at High Street Library in Daubhill have risen by three per cent. A report, set to be approved this week by councillors, says: “The lecture theatre and meeting room have both had substantial refurbishments in the past year with enhanced facilities.

“New charges are proposed of between zero and 24 per cent that reflect the improved facilities on offer.

“It is proposed that in line with the Albert Halls and other venues, a separate charge is made for the use of equipment such as data projectors and flip charts.

“This will enable supplies to be replenished and kept up to date.

“Discounted rates are offered to groups, organisations and associations that can demonstrate they contribute to the key aims of the council.”

Groups which qualify for discounts will have to apply for the concessionary rate on an annual basis.