Music centres’ cheerful tune

Central Bedfordshire Council had threatened to close at least one of the four music centres, which schoolchildren attend on Saturday mornings.

The centres, which also accept adult learners and have assisted instrumental and vocal students throughout the years, are based in Biggleswade, Ampthill, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard. Their futures became uncertain with the drastic cuts to music service funding earlier in the year.

But following a consultation with students, parents and schools Central Beds Council has decided to continue this form of musical education for the present.

Councillor Mark Versallion, the new executive member for children’s services, said: “Originally we planned to reduce funding to the music centres and we expected that at least one of them would need to close.

“However, as a result of a further review of our overheads and back office costs we’ve been able to extend funding to all four of the music centres in the short to medium term.”

To read the full story see the Biggleswade Chronicle of Friday, June 10.