Save this 'special service' says Lib Dem

8.00.00am GMT Tue 2nd Feb 2010

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, Andrew Simpson, will today call on the County Council to reverse its planned cut in funding to the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Service (NMPAS) and save a 'special service' to the young people of the county.

"Our music service is renowned for producing some of the nation's most talented musicians" said Andrew "It literally helps put Northamptonshire on the national stage when you consider the number of national awards won by the County Youth Orchestra, County Youth Concert Band and others. This is a special service and should be saved."

"At a time of recession when people are tightening their belts to cut back on a service that benefits young people from all backgrounds seems misguided. Increased costs to parents of their child learning a musical instrument or restricting access to the service would be the inevitable results if this cut in funding goes through.

Northamptonshire has something special with this service and it should not be put in danger".

Notes to editors

The County Council will be meeting today (Tuesday 2nd February 2010) at 2pm in County Hall where a Liberal Democrat motion on the proposed funding cut to NMPAS will be debated.