We must keep music alive

IT has been brought to my attention that the Musicians' Co-op building in Lancaster may be under threat.

Losing this great institution or relocating the Co-op to another site, I personally feel, would he nothing short of abject folly.

I have been organising and performing music in Lancaster for nearly 10 years and within that period I have dealt with the co-op in several professional capacities.

I and many others have always been received with warmth and enthusiasm for any kind of musical project, either through recording projects, hiring good quality equipment or hiring rehearsal space.

The Musicians' Co-op provides an invaluable contribution to a wide variety of creative people, old and young.

Lancaster has one of the largest and richest musical communities in the country and, given the. current support for musicians, it is extremely difficult for young musicians to make a living at music.

On this note, the co-op provides rehearsal space and equipment at very reasonable rates, their location is extremely accessible, and being located in the city centre, most people are within walking distance, which also happens to be an asset to reducing the current traffic problems.

Finally, I seriously feel that by eradicating organisations like the co-op, who provide vital assistance to the community, Lancaster will gradually erode its cultural life and without creative and cultural opportunities a society and place eventually dies.

The individuals who run the co- op are serious, talented and dedicated people,

Please reconsider any future plans and if necessary, retain the building and incorporate it into any future complex.

Stephen Grew, Wingate-Saul Road Lancaster