CORONAVIRUS lockdowns have had a negative effect on the finances of the Alton Assembly Rooms.

A report to Alton Town Council’s policy and resources committee last night (Wednesday) said the venue presently had an average of six hirers per month.

It added: “The fee charged by Alton Community Association remains at 50 per cent following the extended closure and reduced number of bookings. The hall is currently running at an operating loss of just over £5,000 for the year, which is to be expected.”