Madam,

The Plaid Cymru Leader of Ceredigion County Council dismisses the concerns expressed by so many with regard to cuts to the excellent Ceredigion Music Service by stating “There is no intention to cut this service completely, but perhaps we need to restructure how the scheme works”.

Naïve short-termism at its worst. How can any organisation endure cuts amounting to 67 per cent to the music service budget? This cannot represent any more than a shattering blow to the skill and professionalism of the service, just as this county is preparing to welcome the National Eisteddfod to Tregaron. The implications will be clear. Fewer staff, shorter lessons, the limitations of video tutoring, increased costs for children’s music lessons.

My four children have or do benefit from the work of the music service and now, as a teacher, I can see the huge benefits of music teaching, and in particular the development of instrumental skills for those we teach. The council should reflect and reconsider.

Yours etc, Mark Williams, Prospective Parliamentary Liberal Democrat Candidate for Ceredigion and former MP, North Parade, Aberystwyth.

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