THE editor of the Hartford parish newsletter has resigned over the proposed 500-fold rent increase at Hartford Bowls and Tennis Club.

As reported last month in the Guardian, Hartford Parish Council has decided to raise the club's existing peppercorn rent from £1 to £500.

Gill Symmons, secretary for the bowls club, is so angry with the council she has resigned from her voluntary position as newsletter editor.

Gill decided to announce her resignation in her final edition of the Hartford parish newsletter.

However, the letter does not appear in the printed version as the parish clerk, Sue Wakeford, had Gill's comments removed.

Gill, who is a former Hartford parish councillor, is one of a number of people who have been upset with the rent increase at the club.

She said: "The club does all its own maintenance of the green, courts and club house, and all subscription fees are used to keep them in the good order that they are in now.

"Whenever odd jobs need doing around the grounds and hall, very often bowls members are asked to help, which they do willingly to save the parish council expenses."

Gill is so concerned about the debate, which has been raging for more than two years, she has recently contacted Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall about the matter.

He has written to the parish council clerk outlining Gill's concerns and asking the council to explain why the club's rent has been increased when the cricket club and football clubs in Hartford still pay a peppercorn rent.

He has also asked whether the parish council would consider reducing the rental figure.

Mrs Wakeford was not prepared to make any comments on the matter.