Pupils protest at music cuts proposal

MUSIC pupils at Annan Academy stood united against a proposal to axe free music tuition in schools across Dumfries and Galloway. Youngsters gathered outside the swimming pool building where Dumfries and Galloway Council were holding a budget consultation event last Wednesday afternoon. Council staff were present at the four hour session and information on the consultation was on display, including potential budget savings and income-generation options which would help close a significant funding gap at the local authority. However, some proposals – including one which talks about axing the instrumental music service in the region – have proved controversial. And the idea to cut music tuition has also prompted Annan Town Band to launch a petition against such a move. It currently has more than 2400 signatures. In response to the band’s petition, a council spokesman said: “These are officer proposals for consultation, not decisions, and the council wants to hear feedback from everyone on these before it sets its budget in February. “We understand that people care deeply about services such as music tuition, and it’s natural that proposals like this will prompt strong views.”