The News Shopper campaign to save Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT) has received massive backing. We launched the campaign last month to fight council proposals to cut the trust's funding. Support has come in from several high-profile people, among them Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Tessa Jowell. We have also been sent

letters from both young and old, who have enjoyed the concerts and teaching the BYMT provides. Here are a few of the reactions ...

Youngsters will be hit

I am 13 years old and involved with the BYMT. I visit the centre four times a week for several reasons.

There are several bands, orchestras and choirs in which musicians of any age and standard can play. There are also fully qualified teachers at the BYMT so I can have regular lessons.

The BYMT has won several competitions and is a good place to meet other young people with the same interests.

It would be extremely disappointing if the trust is no longer able to produce the high standards it has already achieved because of cost-cutting.

Sophie Roberts

BYMT senior band flautist

Tangleberry Close

Bickley

Don't deprive them

As a foundation governor of a local school, I am well aware of the importance of music to enrich the culture surrounding children. Children from all spectrums must have the opportunity to learn and appreciate music. Because of this need for opportunity, I support your campaign.

Rev Angela Cooke

Parish of St Mary Cray

The Vicarage

Main Road

Orpington

Slash and burn

I was incensed to read about the plan to slash the BYMT's grant. I lived in Bromley until four years ago and was constantly frustrated by the lack of facilities for the youth of Bromley. Now there is a move to eliminate one of the few which do exist, and an excellent one at that.

Robin Coombs

Band leader

Phoenix Dixieland

Jazz Band

Otford

Unbelievable move

I am horrified by these proposals. Having witnessed first-hand the dedication of staff, the discipline of the children and the hours they put in after school, it is unbelievable the local authority can pursue such a short-sighted policy.

Professor Dr Vilem Tausky CBE FGSM

Ex-Guildhall professor

Sundridge Park

Bromley

Blow for school

I am head of music at Langley Park School for Girls and in 15 years of teaching have never worked with so effective, professional and supportive an organisation as the BYMT.

The work of my department relies heavily on the trust's staff, 27 of whom help us out. Our A-level and GCSE results are consistently 100 per cent A to C because of the input and involvement in BYMT.

In short, were the BYMT to lose funding, my department could no longer function as successfully.

Maureen Batchelor

Head of music

Langley Park School for Girls

Beckenham

December 5, 2001 02:06