THEATRE groups in Menston and Burley-in-Wharfedale may have to merge because of mounting health and safety costs.

Both Menston Thespians and the Burley Millennium Theatre Group usually produce two or three productions a year, but rising costs have put a strangehold on finances.

Peter Ward, chairman of the Menston Community Associa-tion, said health and safety regulations have forced both groups to pay increased rental costs for their respective halls - the Queen's Hall in Burley and Kirklands Community Centre in Menston.

He said: "We may have to get a viable theatre group to keep the smaller ones from folding."

Although the two theatre groups have yet to sit down and discuss a merger, Mr Ward said both had initially shown some willingness to the idea.

Vernon Whelan, chairman of Burley Millennium Theatre Group, said: "We haven't had any discussions, but small amateur dramatic groups find it hard going these days. I can understand why people are talking about it. It's very expensive to put on a production."

John Howell, secretary of the Menston Thespians, said there had been 'nothing concrete' in the way of merger talks, but he would not rule out the possibility in future.

He said: "You have to look at various options when you're looking at the possibility of survival. The cost of hiring council premises to put on shows and the rules and regulations we have to abide by make it difficult to run a production."

Peter Finlay, treasurer of the Menston Thespians, said: "The cost of hiring Kirklands Com-munity Centre is horrendous. "

The Thespians had to cancel their Christmas pantomime, which previously ran for four nights.

Mr Finlay said instead they did a children's panto and an adult panto on the same night, which included a raffle and supper to raise money to run a production planned for March.

Mr Finlay said that Child Protection legislation has also impacted on the group. Under the regulations, they have to separate children by sex and provide chaperones. This has meant the group having to hire additional rooms at Kirklands.

Mr Whelan added that no more than 20 people are allowed back stage at the Queen's Hall, which he said make its difficult to have large performances, especially involving children.

Mr Finlay also said additional responsibilities regarding fire evacuations were taking their toll.

"It's all well and good in big theatres, but in small communities it isn't practical. It's bureaucracy that's strangling us unfortunately."

Although the two societies have struggled with regulations, a merger is not expected to happen for a while.

Mr Ward said: "I suspect they'll only do it in desperation, and I don't think it will happen this year."

Mr Howell said: "Both societies will only look at it as a last resort."