WEST Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett has added his weight to an appeal by Okehampton Rugby Club over the high level of business rates which could threaten its future.

The club is prepared to fight to get a change in legislation if the appeal to West Devon Borough Council fails.

Up until 1997 the club received 80 per cent relief on its non-domestic rates, but this has been reduced over the last two years to 30 per cent.

Other sports organisations have been affected by similar reductions, including Okehampton Smallbore Club and the bowling club.

Club members feel it is not right that a non-profit making sports club should be charged at business rate.

Mr Burnett, who has been involved with the rugby club for 25 years, said in a letter to borough council chief executive David Incoll that he understood the relief was being withdrawn over a period of four years.

'I have seen the accounts of the club and it is quite clear that it cannot sustain these massive increases in rates demanded of it,' he said.

'I do appreciate the extreme pressure put on local authority funding by Central Government over a period of 15 years or so.

'Nevertheless, my understanding is that 75 per cent of the relief granted is reimbursed by Central Government.'

Mr Burnett said club members worked hard for the well-being of the community without any financial recompense.

'It is vital for us not only to keep the club going but also to ensure that it can remain economically viable,' he said.

Club secretary Ted Cann said he had hoped the appeal, which was lodged in June, would have been heard by now.

'Each week is costing the club £100,' he said. 'We had hoped for a bit better treatment from the borough council.

'We are very grateful that John Burnett has added his weight to this and we have also brought the matter to the attention of the Minister for Sport.

'The saddest thing of all is that we are not given any explanation as to why our rate relief has been reduced — no-one will talk to us.

'We just hope that common sense will prevail and the views of John Burnett and Okehampton Town Council, who are fully behind us, will be listened to.'

Yvonne Rendle, of Okehampton Smallbore Club, said there was only enough funding to keep the club going for the next two years.

'Three years ago our rates were under £400 a year — this year the council is asking for just over £2,000. It is costing us nearly £100 a person to run the club at the moment.'

A spokesperson for the borough council said he could not discuss individual cases but a decision on the appeal would be made when the panel met again to discuss a number of cases.

'It would not be feasible to bring the panel together to look at one case,' he said.