RISING energy costs are causing problems for the parish hall at Hartlebury, where cash reserves are gradually running out.

The 60-year-old hall has oil-fired central heating but it now costs £600 each time the tank is filled, says treasurer Malcolm Owen.

The management committee has embarked on fund-raising with a table top sale on Saturday from 10am to noon.

Committee chairman, Muriel Mathews, is pleased with the response from the village, with 20 tables being booked.

She says: "It is important that we keep the hall going. It is a focal point for village life and we need support from all the local organisations."

Plans have been drawn-up to refurbish the hall or rebuild on the same site.

But with Lottery cash drying up because of the Olympics, chances of a substantial grant are remote.