We write at this time in response to the article which appeared in the November 14 edition of the News Shopper, regarding the cuts in funding for Bromley Youth Music Trust.

Based on the encouragement our son received from BYMY, he is currently studying for a music degree. We are worried that, in the future, many musically talented children could miss the opportunities that the BYMT has to offer.

The principal, Mr Peter Mawson, together with his colleagues, had produced over the years, probably the finest youth orchestra's, bands and choirs in the UK.

The possibility of thousands of young people having their musical education in the Bromley Borough 'cut off' in the near future is beyond com-prehension. Parents pay for the lessons (albeit subsidised) and for trips to take part in overseas musical competitions. Fund-raising is carried out throughout the year. On a personal note, we have discovered with some surprise that the BYMT is known in many parts of the country.

It is understood that the London Borough of Bromley is intending to dramatically increase the council tax for the forthcoming year 2002/3. What is it going to be spent on and what about the government's promise to spend more on education?

Youth music in Bromley forms a large part of the culture of the area, its demise would be a great loss to the people of the borough.

Mr & Mrs Neal

Aubyns Close

Orpington

December 5, 2001 02:06