Requiem for hall could sound death knell for band
A CEILIDH band fears it could fold if its rehearsal space is closed as part of council budget cuts.
Bishopbriggs Ceilidh Band claims the closure of Auchinairn Public Hall could mark the end of the group, which provides free musical tuition to 30 young people, aged seven to 18.
East Dunbartonshire Council is consulting about the future of the hall, which could close if community management cannot be found.
However, the band claims it has already been told the venue is doomed.
Peter O'Neil, chairman of the band, said: "We are a non-profit-making organisation and at present the hall fees are born by the founders. If the hall were to close we have been informed by East Dunbartonshire Council there is no alternative venue for us within the hall letting system.
"The only alternative would be a possible school let, which would double the costs. This would obviously put the future of the Bishopbriggs Ceilidh Band in jeopardy and 30 youths would lose two hours of free music tuition."
East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson, who recently visited the band, said: "It offers great opportunities to young people in Bishopbriggs and it would be a great shame if the closure of Auchinairn Public Hall were to jeopardise that.
"It is ridiculous of the council to say there will be a public consultation on the future of the hall if they have already decided to close it. Once again, the council seems to be consulting the public as a PR exercise rather than to actually hear people's views and take them into consideration."
However, a spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Council said: "The decision in relation to public halls was not to close them without examining alternatives. Only after examining the options will a decision be made on the best option for each specific building.
"Every user group in each of the affected halls is being invited to attend a workshop to examine these options.
"We have contacted these groups to explain the budget decision and start work with them to relocate if any hall does not transfer to the community."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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