THE OWNER of a specialist playgroup says she has been pushed out of the Barbican Centre after her rent was almost doubled.

Thea Jacobs runs Song Box, a not-for-profit, weekly music and play group for children under the age of four.

She started sessions at the Barbican in 1997 and up until recently paid slightly more than £8 per hour, as Song Box was considered a community group.

In March she received a letter saying discounts would not longer be given to community groups, and her rent would be increased to £14 per hour.

She said: "I appreciated we had a good deal, but I thought they would at least discuss it with us or give some warning.

"They put it up at such short notice and seemed to be saying we do not want you here any more. It is such a huge increase and there was no discussion - they did not understand that we could not absorb that."

But Ian McCoulough, assistant manager at Barbican Centre, said making all the rents the same was fairer.

He said: "Following a review of charges, room hire rates at the Barbican have been revised so that every club and organisation pays the same.

"This obviously makes the system much fairer."

Thea believes this is not the case, as she is now competing against commercial hirers for the rooms.

She added: "To push us out so close to them closing leaves a lot of unanswered questions and a bitter taste in the mouth."

Mr McCoulough said: "The standard increase for room hire is just three per cent this year. Unfortunately, because Song Box had been charged a significantly lower rate

than other groups in the past, they faced a larger price increase this year,

taking their room hire to a total of £14 (excluding VAT). This still represents excellent value for money, as customers may use baby changing facilities, the coffee shop and parking facilities on site, as well as other

family facilities such as the crche.

"We've discussed the increase in some depth with Ms Jacob and regret that she has found it necessary to cancel her booking with us."

Song Box held its last session at the Barbican yesterday. For information on other sessions, phone Thea on 01904 634390.

Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, April 09, 2003