Takings at town halls are down by 25pc

Just under £50,000 was raked in over a year from hiring out Walsall's two historic town halls – a quarter less than expected.

Most of the income came from the main Walsall town hall which had 152 paid for bookings in the 12 months up to April this year.

Darlaston town hall collected £8,125 from 82 bookings as the number of users slightly dropped as council chiefs did not reach their overall budget target.

Walsall Council revealed earlier this year it had been looking to bring in £67,000 from hiring out the two venues to community users. But despite generating £41,089 from the more high-profile Walsall hall in Leicester Street it managed to bring in a total of only £49,215.25.

The venues have been booked for the likes of awards ceremonies, concerts, physiotherapy sessions, meetings and blood donor sessions.

There have been claims that some event organisers have snubbed the venues due to prices.

Walsall Beer Festival switched from the town centre hall to the college last year due to costs, although it agreed a deal to come back last month. Couples have also ignored the opportunity to get hitched at Darlaston town hall with the cost of weddings raised as a problem by councillors.

Walsall Council chiefs have insisted the venues remain popular for people looking to hire a town hall.

Sport and leisure service manager Ben Percival said: "With more than 250 bookings across the two sites, the town halls continue to be well supported.

"Usage includes a considerable number of repeat bookings, which reflects the high levels of customer satisfaction with the venues." Investment has already been made into Darlaston town hall after a £325,000 makeover in 2008.

While more than £1 million is being spent on revamping Walsall Council House and Civic Centre in a project set to span the next two years.

Couples have shunned the chance to get hitched at Darlaston Town Hall since a marriage licence was obtained for the Victorian building in summer 2009.

A provisional booking for the first town hall wedding was made in October 2010 but it was cancelled.

At the time, council chiefs said they were keen to push forward its use for weddings and other events such as concerts.