Ballroom closure sparks fears for youngsters

Members of a Staffordshire dance group are worried that the future of their talented youngsters is under threat when its premises close down in May.

The Aquarius Ballroom in Victoria Street, Hednesford, has just weeks before its doors close, but dance and exercise groups are still struggling to find a permanent venue while a replacement centre is built.

Dance teacher Denise Roberts, who helps to run a Thursday night ballroom group, said they were concerned all the young talent they were nurturing would be lost.

"We have been hoping to get somewhere for the past 12 months that will be a permanent venue for us.

"We have been trying to get some councillors over here to see what we do so they understand, and eventually we got Councillors Wendy Yates and Anne Bernard here to visit, and they did take an interest in what we do and the dancers and said they would help.

"We are glad and grateful that they came to see us. We do really want these classes to continue, but without a secured venue, we don't know if that can happen and the dancers always have somewhere to go," she said.

The group, along with others who use the Aquarius Ballroom, had hoped to use the council's civic centre in its Beecroft Road headquarters in Cannock.

But the council has said that while they can 'block book' the sessions, they could not have exclusive use of the room.

Mrs Roberts said: "We would be really happy to use the civic room as it would be perfect for us, but it's not financially viable to use. What they are quoting us at the moment is a high price and we wouldn't be able to afford it. We have some great dancers, such as Sam Hunter and Charlotte Plant, who are representing England in ballroom and Latin dance."

Mike Allsopp, who owns the lease on Aquarius Ballroom, said he was disappointed with the council's decision to not let dancers have full use of the ballroom.

A Cannock Chase Council spokesman said: "Council officers had a detailed and constructive meeting with the current leaseholder of the Aquarius ballroom. Terms have been discussed on how the programme of activities at the Aquarius can be accommodated at the Civic Centre."