THE CHAIRMAN of the South Powys Youth Music (SPYM) has voiced his fears over the future of the county's musical heritage after financial support for youth music became another victim of Powys County Council's budget crisis. Triggered by the need to save nearly £20m in 2014/15, and £40m by April 2017, the county council is carrying out widespread cuts in a challenging bid to reduce its spending and has recently slashed the county music development fund by 55% from £72,000 to £32,000.

Speaking this week, Nick Gedge, chairman of SPYM since 2010, told The Brecon & Radnor Express: "Powys – unlike almost every other county in Wales and most counties in the UK – does not have a county music service - a local authority funded body that employs and/or co-ordinates teams of instrumental teachers to teach in schools all over the county, thus providing musical opportunity to all."

Speaking about the music development funding cut, Councillor Graham Brown, Powys County Council cabinet member responsible for arts, said: "We are mindful that the activities carried out by the youth orchestras are of a high quality and greatly valued but given the financial pressures were faced with, we have had to make some difficult decisions and this includes reducing the music development fund.

"We will work provide help and assistance to these groups in accessing additional sources of external funding."

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