Sound advice

CAN I add my voice to the growing chorus of disapproval at threats to the future of Lancaster's musician's co-op. I have used the co-op for many years because a) it is handy to  get to and b) is very inexpensive.

I think it is fair to say my musical career would not exist if it were not for the co-op. It is very difficult to find somewhere to practice loud guitar-based music these days without being dismissed as thought-less and anti-social by your neighbours.

The co-op may not be the most plush location but it does exactly what it says on the tin. It's run by musicians for musicians and is a vital part of the local cultural community. What's more, I can see a future where the co-op has gone and some well meaning local government quango - looking to tune in to the disatisfied yoof - comes up with the idea of setting up a place for young musicians to hang out and play their instruments. Any such worthy initiative will of course cost tax payers thousands in equipment and staff salaries.

The current co-op cost us nothing. It's an independent, self-financing labour of love and long may it continue.  

H Webb via e-mail