Over 2500 people have signed an on-line petition that has now been sent to a Scottish local authority in a bid to ensure that it does not axe its instrumental music service provision to children.

As reported on 4BR (26th October) it was launched by Annan Town Band with the aim to stop plans put forward in Dumfries & Galloway Council's budget consultation proposal for the three year cycle 2026/27 through to 2028/29, which could see all instrumental music tuition removed from the region's schools.

Demand

The council's consultation period has now closed — one that put forward a potential proposal that could see an end to tuition which has actually seen demand blossom in recent years (from 735 pupils in 2019/20 to over 2100 in 2023/24), with a further 750 on the waiting list.

As the petition stated: "Music should not be for just those who can afford private music tuition it should be for all", whilst one signatory stated: "The Authority should be offering these services as a resource for the aid and betterment of the youth of their area, giving the children the chance to enhance their lives and the others in their community."

It is understood a decision will be made in the coming weeks.