SINGERS and musicians are voicing their anger over the closure of a recording studio.

Strange Loop Studios in Welling High Street is due to close in February after the building where it was based was bought by Morrisons for redevelopment.

The studios, which opened last February above the Co-op store, are regularly used by people from Bexley and beyond for music lessons and recording sessions.

Manager Doug Gray says he has also been in talks with Bexley Police about holding sessions for young offenders.

Mr Gray recently spent £10,000 on a soundproof room for the studio, and says he would not be able to afford to set up again elsewhere.

A petition to save the studio has been signed by 110 people.

Singing teacher Ceris Deverill regularly gives lessons at the studios with both professional singers and amateurs from the area.

She said: “It would be such a shame if the studio went just when it was taking off.

“There are lots of teachers that teach out of there. It’s not just a music studio - it’s more like a music centre.

“There’s nothing else like it around really. There’s just nowhere where it’s so free and easy.”

Dave Rooke, a 57-year-old tiler from Plumstead, recorded at the studio after winning a karaoke competition.

He said: “ It changed my life. I love music but I’d never been in a recording studio before then. It was fantastic.

“Since then I’ve started writing my own songs and recording my own stuff. I wish I could have done something like it 30 years ago - things might have been different.

“If it goes it will be a really sad loss.”

Mr Gray says he has attempted to negotiate a new lease with the supermarket giant but has been unable to do so.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We are in discussions with Mr Gray.

“It’s a major redevelopment of the site which will bring an awful lot of benefits to customers.”