Opening hours

• Monday to Friday – 8:30am-6pm (core hours)
• Monday to Friday – 6pm-11pm (non-core hours)
• Saturday – 9am-11pm (non-core hours)
• Sunday – by arrangement (non-core hours)

For all external bookings a booking form must be completed and payment must be made in full by card at the time of the booking. Cash is no longer accepted. Upon receipt of a completed booking form and full payment the room will be reserved. All fees must be paid prior to the event.

Please allow setting up/clearing up time in your booking request. All rooms should be left in a clean and tidy manner.

Please see our room hire rates page for charges. A minimum of one hour will be charged for room hire. If hire continues past 30 minutes a second session fee is charged.

Internal bookings must be made via the electronic room booking system.

Definitions

Community bookings

A community booking is an event which is held by a Shropshire-based group which holds activities for the benefit of the local community. The event is open to the local community and is either free or a nominal charge is made for the activities and the events it organises.

Charity bookings

Groups which are registered charities and don't charge, or who make a nominal charge, for activities/events/training it organises.

Commercial bookings

Any organisation or person that operates as a business and any other organisation which makes a charge based on market or commercial rates for the events/activities/training it organises.

Private party

A party organised by a member of the public to celebrate a special event such as a birthday or anniversary. Entry must be by invitation only.

Health and safety

The relevant procedure in the event of fire and applicable instructions will be provided to the facilitator at the time of arrival. It will remain the responsibility of the facilitator to ensure that all delegates sign in/out. The facilitator will be responsible for taking their sign in/out sheets to the fire assembly points in the event of an evacuation. They're also responsible for ensuring that all attendees know the locations of the fire exits and fire assembly points.

Please remember:

• No smoking is allowed in any part of the building
• Please do not block gangways or the exit doors
• The event organiser is responsible for the prevention of any activity that may endanger public safety, for example preventing disorderly behaviour, over-crowding, and ensuring that health and safety requirements are observed
• There are fire extinguishers throughout the building
• If there is a fire, leave the building by the nearest exit door and telephone 999. Please go to the assembly point in the car park

First aider

If a community or charity group making a reservation requires a qualified first aider on site during a function they should make their own arrangements for this. First aid kits are located around the building.

Personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP)

It's the facilitator’s responsibility for an event taking place on the first floor to complete a PEEP. This should be completed for any delegate requiring assisted emergency evacuation via the stairs. The completed form should be with the reception team one week prior to the event.

Electrical equipment

Any electrical equipment being brought into the building for use at a function or event must be PAT tested by a qualified electrician. The responsibility for this remains with the room hirer. All electrical equipment being brought into the building must be identified to reception at the time of booking.

Risk assessment

It's the responsibility of the hirer to complete a risk assessment for any activities or events. Shropshire Council reserves the right to request a copy at time of booking.

Public liability insurance

It's a condition of booking that all groups have adequate public liability insurance. A minimum of £5m is recommended. Shropshire Council reserves the right to request a copy of the insurance certificate at the time of booking.

Children under 16

All children under the age of 16 attending an event or function must be adequately supervised at all times. A ratio of one adult to ten children is recommended.

Permitted use of The Lantern

The use of smoke machines is prohibited within The Lantern. The consumption of alcohol on these premises is prohibited.

Loss and damage

Please let us know of any damage to the room or equipment. You may be asked to pay for any repair or replacement costs due to damage or loss caused while the room was hired to you

Leaving the building

All building users are requested to leave quietly and respect the rights of neighbours in the residential area.

Vehicles

All building users are requested to park their vehicles safely and courteously and not to block access to any neighbouring properties.

Payments

All payments for room hire must be paid at the time of booking. Card payments will be taken by the receptionist and a receipt will be given (or this can be emailed). All cards are accepted except American Express and Diners.

Payment in arrears will no longer be accepted and invoices will no longer be raised.
Unfortunately, cash payments will no longer be accepted. Payment needs to be made in card in advance of room hire.

Cancellations

All cancellations must be done within five working days of the event. For all cancellations after this time or for any no shows the full booking price will be charged and refunds will not be given.

Catering/refreshments

The café based in the Lantern should be the first point of contact for catering/refreshment arrangements. If they're unable to provide the catering service required then an external catering company may be used.

Shropshire Council

Any booking for Shropshire Council staff after 6pm Monday to Friday or weekends will be charged at the charity/community rate. Please note that cancellations are as above.

External bookings

You can book a room from our 'Room hire' page.