MORE needs to be done about marketing the Guildhall as a venue for weddings and corporate events, according to Councillor Ian Tomes, who fears not enough is being done to maximise the building’s assets.

Highlighting a drop in revenue from nine years ago with data from the time of Salisbury District Council, cllr Tomes raised the issue at the Salisbury City Council Services Committee meeting last night.

The figures showed a drop in takings for rooms such as The Banqueting Hall and The Grand Jury Room.

He said: In 2006/7 when The Grand Jury Room was only available to hire on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays, they were taking £11,812 against a total of £1,100 today.

“The Banqueting Hall was taking £98,379, today it is £66,159.

“I have tried to focus on two rooms that offer comparable data.

“Quite clearly from records we are not doing as well as we have done and should do in these areas.

“We need to be asking why are we only taking two thirds and a tenth of what we should be taking.”

Councillors suggested a drop in takings might be down to more venues becoming available for weddings.

It was decided Cllr Tomes would raise questions with the council’s finance officer and the business manager on what could be done to market the rooms more.

The Guildhall was taken over by Salisbury City Council as part of the asset transfer from Wiltshire Council in 2009.