THE FUTURE of Barnsley Hospital's Social Club is under threat because hospital bosses are demanding the club stumps up to £45,000 in the next few months.
They claim the club costs the hospital around £60,000 a year, money which they are now trying to recoup.
But committee members say they were only told of the huge bill three weeks ago and have been given no indication of how quickly the money is expected.
An offer to pay £10,000 has already been rejected by the hospital and now club members are waiting to hear when they have to pay up.
The situation has arisen after rumours circulated that the hospital trust wanted to charge the social club for rent and services.
A debate started on the hospital Intranet, an internal hospital internet forum.
Contributor Mick Fitzpatrick speculated the move was probably to create a car park on the site, but said he had heard it may be turned into a gym and coffee bar.
