A firm catering at council-owned venues in Barrow has failed to cut the mustard with councillors.

A trio of Conservatives criticised the catering and prices provided at The Forum as the council is re-tendering its contract.

Elior UK Limited is contracted by Barrow Council to provide food at the Duke Street venue and for functions at Barrow Town Hall, a meeting heard.

But Cllr Hazel Edwards, leader of the Tory group, told council chiefs: “I have had so many adverse comments about the quality of the catering and the pricing there.

“The only experience I have had is in the café where a small bottle of water cost me £2. I am glad to see the council is re-tendering the catering contract.”

Cllr Les Hall said more people need to use the town hall for functions.

Cllr Hall said: “I wouldn’t book a wedding with them as the caterers. Outside caterers should be allowed. It needs looking at. I think it inhibits the take-up of the fantastic rooms we have.”

Cllr Martin McLeavy said people did not want to be tied into the catering clause.

Cllr McLeavy said: “To me, that’s unacceptable. If you want a function at the town hall you want the best food, the best you can get, and this seriously needs looking at.”

Susan Roberts, resources director, told councillors that catering in the town hall needed to be monitored with someone responsible for health and safety.

It meant they could not allow lots of different caterers ‘coming and going,’ she said. However, she pledged that the exclusivity clause could be reconsidered during the re-tender process.

Elior, which has a head office based in London, said it had not been made aware of any problems and customers had not complained.

A spokeswoman said: “We are surprised to hear of these concerns as we have not received any negative feedback from the public or council. We endeavour to deliver a consistently great customer experience and urge anyone who has any issues with our service to get in touch directly and we’ll happily discuss further.”

In 2016, Barrow council awarded the venue five stars – the highest score under its food hygiene ratings. It found management, compliance and food hygiene and safety to be good or very good.

In 2013, the company signed a £1.9 million four-year contract with the council, which was extended in February 2018.