We must save the Co-op

Report by

Steve Dunthorne

AN UP and coming local band claims Lancaster's emerging music scene could he brought shuddering to a halt if the city's musicians co-operative is forced to close.

The Cherry-Pickers, who use the co-op as a practice base, claim they and other groups would be robbed of a vital facility if the building is sold to developers. Alan Olive, guitarist and keyboard player with the band, said: 'I've already told my promotions people and they are jumping up and down about it. This will leave us bereft of a central place to rehearse. 'We could probably afford to rehearse somewhere a bit more glamorous, but the co-op is like a home from home to us and we don't see any reason to.

'But it's a real struggle for the kids to keep live music alive. The Cherry-Pickers is on the up, but we still want to see a lively local music scene continue in this area.'

The Cherry-Pickers have taken their brand of new country-rock to venues across the north-west, including    Blackpool's  Winter Gardens and the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool.

However, Alan says that the Co-op was vital in their early days after they were introduced to it by Morecambe based drummer, Ben Suthers. Established for 17 years, the Cp-op is a not for profit organisation offering musical services to local groups and musicians. Entirely self-funding,   the Co-op hasn't been able to apply for lottery and other grants because it does not have a long enough lease on its Lodge Street home.

As the Citizen revealed last week, Co-op members fear for the future as the council bids to woo developers for the area around the canal and the former Mitchell's brewery. ,

See Citizen letters next week for some strong reactions to our piece about the Co-op 'closure'.