COMMUNITY centres, village halls and even churches could be forced to close in the face of huge increases in charges for surface water drainage, it was claimed last night.

Northumbrian Water will switch in April from a charge based on old rateable values - used until the 1980s for council rates charging - to one related to the surface area of a property.

The system, approved by regulator Ofwat, will apply to all business properties - classed as everything other than houses and flats - even though community centres are often run by registered charities that qualify for council tax rebates.

David Smith, treasurer of Witton-le-Wear Community Centre, near Crook, in County Durham, said it faced a rise from £57 to £1,638.

Mr Smith said: "Our income is only about £5,000 a year and this will put us under great strain. It won't be a one-off, it will be every year."

The Rev Les Hann, Methodist minister for Weardale, said Stanhope Chapel's bill could rise from under £40 to about £800 because it has a car park, extending its surface area.

He said: "Community centres and churches that are open for the public good should not be classified as businesses. It could lead to some places closing and is a huge headache."

Independent Durham County councillor for Weardale, John Shuttleworth, who wants exemptions to be available from the charge, said: "It shows a total disregard for village life, which could be destroyed if these places can no longer run."

A Northumbrian Water spokesman said the charge would be phased in over four years. He said: "Our income is not increasing as a result of this. It is neutral to us because there are winners and losers, some will pay more, some less."