THERE should be a welcome cash boost for Ludlow Assembly Rooms in the New Year if a merger plan is voted through next week.

The scheme depends on the 520 Friends of the Assembly Rooms approving a link up with the body that operates the arts venue. The Friends meet at 8pm next Tuesday to discuss the merger with the Ludlow & District Community Association.

Friends raise money for the Rooms and provide volunteers but do not have a vote in the way it is run. Under the merger, they will automatically become voting members of the Association.

One benefit is that subscriptions will become eligible to a bonus through Gift Aid. It will also be possible to reclaim VAT on purchases made by the Friends. The merger will also improve cash flow at the Rooms.

"The changeover will be seamless and the majority of Friends will not be aware of any difference in their membership," said Friends chairman Jan Rose. "The Friends committee will operate as usual and continue to raise funds as before, with help from the membership as always."

If approved, the merger will take effect from January.