TWO of Andover’s longest established hobby groups are up in arms about being kicked out of the meeting place they have both used for more than 50 years following an administrative shake-up by Test Valley Borough Council.

Andover Gardening Club and Andover Wine Circle have used St Ann’s Hall in Suffolk Road for monthly meetings since it was built in 1954 but will have to move after the council decided that the premises will be run by the Scouts, who have more than 100 members and will use the hall every weekday evening.

Colin Dart, chairman of Andover Wine Circle, said: “They have taken the ground floor of the Guildhall away from Andover people and now they are going to take away St Ann’s Hall as well.

“We have been offered The Rendezvous for three months but it is not suitable if we have a show, as our members, mostly aged between 60 and 80, are not able to carry things very far.”

Andover Gardening Club secretary Barbara Long said: “The club has used the hall since it was built in 1954 and it meets all the needs the club has for meeting – central location, easy access, parking for speakers to unload and kitchen facilities.

“It is also large enough to accommodate the shows that we hold.

“St Ann’s Hall was built primarily for the use of Andover residents over the age of 60 so I was even more surprised to learn that the lease was likely to be set up with Scouts.”

Like the Wine Circle, the gardeners have been offered The Rendezvous but it is unsuitable for the same reason, as members cannot carry trays of plants or small trees very far when they hold club sales.

The hall premises was formerly operated by Neighbourcare.

A borough council spokesman said: “During negotiations, the council and the Scouts have sought to ensure that all groups can secure a venue to maintain their activities in the event of a lease agreement.

“The five regular evening users of the hall have been offered alternative accommodation at The Rendezvous or the Guildhall.

“The Gardening Club have requested to use St Ann’s Hall one evening a month, perhaps after an early Scout meeting or in the school holidays. This will be a matter for further discussion with the Scouts.

“The council is working with all the organisations concerned to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that as far as they are able, the groups have access to suitable accommodation for their members.

“The part of St Ann’s Hall which is leased to the British Red Cross will not be affected.”