OFFICERS have written to Music Co-op managers to say the city council will try and safeguard the long-term future of the facility - although they haven't ruled out selling off their current building on Lodge Street.

In a statement issued this week, a council spokesperson said the letter had been sent to try and "clarify the current situation".

The statement continued: "The city council recognises the valuable contribution the Musicians' Co-op has made to the area's cultural scene and its head of property services has already recommended, via Cabinet, that the premises should not be considered for disposal at this point in time."

But the council say they can't promise that the Co-op will he able to stay in the Lodge Street premises they have rented from the local authority since the mid-1980s if a developer expresses an interest in the site.

"As a major landowner in the area the council needs to consider all aspects of future developments, should they be deemed to be in the interests of the district and the public interest in general," said the spokesperson.

"Should this ever happen the council is keen that provision be made to enable use by organisations which have a wider community and cultural benefit to continue. This would include the Musicians' Co-op."