The Community Centre has the following information available to download:
Terms and Conditions Private Hire 2026
Terms and Conditions of Hire – Private Bookings (2026)
1. Supervision and Responsibility
- The hirer shall be responsible for the proper supervision, care and safety of the premises and its contents throughout the hire period.
- The hirer is responsible for the conduct, behaviour and safety of all persons attending the event, regardless of their role or relationship to the hirer.
- The premises must not be left unattended at any time during the hire period. A responsible adult must remain present at the Community Centre for the duration of the booking.
- The hirer shall ensure that car parking does not obstruct the highway, neighbouring properties or access routes.
- Any damage caused during the hire period will result in the hirer being held financially liable.
1a. Booking Times and Access
- The booking start time is the time from which access to the premises is permitted. All deliveries, setup, decorating, catering preparation and other event preparations must take place within the booked hire period.
- The booking end time is the time by which all guests, equipment, decorations and personal belongings must have been removed from the premises. All cleaning, clearing away and reinstatement of the premises must be completed within the booked hire period. Arrival more than fifteen (15) minutes before the booked start time, or remaining on site more than fifteen (15) minutes after the booked end time, may incur additional charges.
- Where staff are required to attend outside the agreed booking period, additional charges may be applied.
2. Regulatory Compliance
The hirer must comply with all relevant regulations as stipulated by the Fire Authority, Local Authority, Magistrates Court, or any other regulatory body. The hall’s capacity is limited to 150 persons for a seated audience, or 120 for seated events with tables.
3. Fire Safety
Fire exits must always remain unblocked. Hirers should familiarise themselves with all emergency exits, escape routes, and assembly points prior to the event. In the event of a fire, immediately contact the Fire Service. Fire extinguishers are not to be operated unless the user has received proper training. A first aid kit is available in the foyer.
4. Electrical Equipment
Any electrical equipment brought onto the premises must be safe, in good working order, and must not overload sockets.
5. Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited within the building and anywhere on the premises.
6. Subletting and Unlawful Use
Subletting is not permitted. The premises must not be used for unlawful purposes or in any unlawful manner.
7. Insurance and Indemnity
The hirer must not undertake any activity or bring items onto the premises that could endanger the building or invalidate its insurance. The hirer shall indemnify the Hall Management Committee against any third-party claims arising from their use of the hall. Personal belongings are brought onto the premises at the owner’s risk. The Hall Management Committee accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to personal property except where required by law.
8. Access and Entrances
All attendees must enter via the main front entrance. Other doors may only be used for setup and as emergency exits.
9. Hall Condition and Cleaning
The premises must be left in a clean and tidy state. All equipment, food, drink, and unsold items must be removed after the event. Tables and chairs must be wiped and returned to storage. Rubbish should be bagged and disposed of in the external bin. Recyclable items should be taken home where possible. Helium canisters must also be removed from the site.
10. Floor Protection
Care must be taken to avoid damage to the floors. Furniture should be lifted and not dragged. Only white-tack is permitted for decorations and should not be used on painted surfaces.
11. Supervision of Children
As there is no enclosed outdoor area, children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult when outside the building.
12. Reporting Issues
Any problems with the building, equipment, or facilities must be reported immediately to the Centre Manager or Bookings Clerk at 01462 226340.
13. Damage and Additional Costs
The hirer shall cover any costs incurred due to damage, loss, or unclean conditions resulting from their hire.
14. Cancellations
Notice of cancellation must be given as early as possible. If cancellation is made with less than 48 hours’ notice, the full or partial hire fee may still be charged at the discretion of the Hall Management Committee.
15. Sale of Alcohol
Alcohol may not be sold on the premises unless the hirer obtains a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) from Central Bedfordshire Council (0300 300 8000 / www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk) and submits a copy to the Centre Manager at least 30 days prior to the event.
16. Inflatables and Bouncy Castles
- No inflatable equipment, including bouncy castles, slides or similar apparatus, may be used at the Community Centre without prior approval. The hirer must provide details of the inflatable supplier together with copies of:
- Public Liability Insurance;
• Risk Assessment documentation; and
• Any other documentation reasonably requested by the Hall Management Committee. - All inflatable equipment must be supplied and operated by a suitably qualified and insured provider. Inflatable equipment may not be used until all required documentation has been received and approved by the Hall Management Committee.
- Failure to comply with the Community Centre Inflatable Policy may result in cancellation of the booking and/or retention of all or part of the security deposit.
17. Respect for Local Residents and Noise Management
- The Community Centre is situated within a residential area and consideration must be given to neighbouring properties at all times.
- Music, entertainment and amplified sound must be kept at a reasonable level so as not to cause nuisance or disturbance to neighbouring residents.
- For evening events, all doors facing the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) must remain closed from 9.00pm onwards, except for access and egress.
- The hirer shall ensure that guests leave the premises and surrounding area quietly and respectfully, particularly at the end of evening events.
- Parking should not obstruct neighbouring properties or inconvenience local residents.
- Excessive noise, anti-social behaviour, failure to comply with noise control measures, or substantiated complaints from neighbouring residents may result in early termination of the event/party and all or part of the security deposit being withheld.
18. Exceptional Circumstances
The Hall Management Committee reserves the right to cancel bookings in exceptional circumstances (e.g. elections, essential maintenance), and will provide as much notice as possible.
19. Booking Fee and Confirmation
A booking fee must be paid within 48 hours of confirmation to secure the hire. If payment is not received within 7 days, the Committee reserves the right to offer the slot to another party.
20. Payment Terms
The full hire fee must be paid at least 14 days before the event. Refunds for cancellations are at the discretion of the Centre Manager or Management Committee.
21. Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit is required in addition to the hire charge. The security deposit may be retained, in whole or in part, to cover:
- Damage to the premises, fixtures, fittings or equipment;
- Additional cleaning costs;
- Removal of excessive waste;
- Excessive noise complaints;
- Breaches of these Terms and Conditions;
- Failure to vacate the premises on time;
- Failure to supervise the premises appropriately;
- Failure to comply with the Inflatable Policy; or
- Any other costs reasonably incurred by the Hall Management Committee as a result of the hire.
The return of the security deposit shall be at the discretion of the Centre Manager, acting reasonably and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
22. Liability for Damage
The hirer remains financially responsible for any damage caused, even if it exceeds the value of the security deposit.
23. Evening Hires and Closing Times
Evening functions must end by 11:00 PM. The premises must be vacated by midnight to allow the building to be secured. If this deadline is not met, a surcharge of £20 per half hour (or part thereof) will be applied. The surcharge shall not prevent the Hall Management Committee from recovering any additional costs incurred as a result of late departure.
24. Age Requirement
The hirer must be aged 18 or over. Proof of age may be required.
25. Breach of Terms
Any breach of these conditions may result in the immediate termination of the hire agreement by the Hall Management Committee.