THE News Shopper today launches a campaign to safeguard the future of more than 5,000 young musicians in Bromley.

The future of the Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT) hangs in the balance after the local education authority announced plans to cut costs.

The BYMT has played to packed houses at home and abroad, but now faces the prospect of extinction if a council plan to slash its grant goes through. The News Shopper has also learnt there are plans to wind down the funding to zero over the next four years.

This means by 2005, 5,600 musicians in the borough will have nowhere to play. Angry orchestra leaders claim the trust is being singled out as a "soft target" by Bromley's education department.

BYMT director Peter Mawson said: "If this is carried out, it will be the end for BYMT. We have already suffered several cuts but have maintained our excellent breadth and depth of musical provision. The reductions planned will sink us altogether."

The trust has had a trophy-laden year, having won five first prizes at the National Festival of Music for Youth and a first prize at the World Music Contest in Holland. Opposition councillors have also protested vigorously at the proposed cuts.

Labour group education spokesman, Councillor Sue Polydorou has called the proposed cuts a "travesty".

But Tory leader of the council, Councillor Michael Tickner has argued the trust is a "Rolls Royce service" which must join with others in tightening their belts.

He added: "No-one wants to see the trust close because it is an excellent organisation. But it must expand its fundraising activities. Other services are having to tighten their belts."

l If you support our campaign to save the orchestra from cut backs and possible closure, write and tell us. Write to Patrick John, The News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT.

Turn to Page 4.

November 12, 2001 14:12