Community clubs and societies that are struggling to find venues for meetings are being urged to attend a meeting to discuss the problem.

A number of organisations in Wantage have expressed concern at the difficulty of securing meeting places in the town. The fact-finding exercise is being organised by the Mayor of Wantage, Jenny Hannaby,

If it finds there is a strong need for accommodation, it is hoped money for them could be made available by developers as part of 'planning gain' deals, where planning permission is granted on condition they provide community facilities.

Among the groups searching for new homes are the Wantage Silver Band - which was forced to leave its former Newbury Street band hall due to the redevelopment of the former Wantage Junior School - and the Camel Pre-School, which has outgrown its home in the grounds of St Mary's Convent, in Denchworth Road.

Cllr Hannaby also invited managers of venues to attend.

She said: "We need to ascertain the needs of the community to make sure any money that could be brought to the town by planning gain is put to good use.

"I have visited and talked with many local organisations about the many issues concerning their groups, and the two main concerns are venue and cost of venue. There seems to be a need, but how much of a need I hope to find out.

"I believe it would be useful for all organisations to get together to discuss these issues and other matters that affect them. It is open to all groups who need halls - whether large, small or for one-off events.

"The information gathered at the meeting will enable the town council to be better informed of the needs of the community, and I am sure the discussions will be a benefit to all."

The meeting will take place at Wantage Civic Hall on Saturday, September 8, between 10am and noon.