A CAMPAIGN against the rise in village hall charges has seen two petitions attract over a thousand signatures.

District councillors James Abbott and Philip Hughes are some of those campaigning to stop Braintree Council increasing the amount it charges to hire out the village hall.

Budget cuts at the council could see prices rise by up to 150% in halls across the district.

Braintree Council’s cabinet meets on Monday September 13 to discuss the planned rises.

Graham Butland, leader of Braintree Council, said any decision on price rises would be taken with the whole of the district in mind, not just those who had signed the petition.