AN UP and coming local band claims Lancaster' s emerging music scene could be brought shuddering to a halt if the city's musicians co-operative is forced to close.

The Cherry-Pickers, who use the co-op as a practice base, claim they and other groups would be robbed of a vital facility if the building is sold to developers.

Alan Olive, guitarist and keyboard player with the band, said: "I've already told my promotions people and they are jumping up and down about it.

This will leave us bereft of a central place to rehearse.

"We could probably afford to rehearse somewhere a bit more glamorous, but the co-op is like a home from home to us and we don't see any reason to.

"But it's a real struggle for the kids to keep live music alive.

The Cherry-Pickers is on the up, but we still want to see a lively local music scene continue in this area."

The Cherry-Pickers have taken their brand of new country-rock to venues across the north-west, including Blackpool's Winter Gardens and the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool.

However, Alan says that the Co-op was vital in their early days after they were introduced to it by Morecambe based drummer, Ben Suthers.

Established for 17 years, the Co-op is a not for profit organisation offering musical services to local groups and musicians.

Entirely self-funding, the group hasn't been able to apply for lottery and other grants because it does not have a long enough lease on its Alfred Street home.

As the Citizen revealed last week, Co-op members fear for the future as the council bids to woo developers for the area around the canal and the former Mitchell's brewery.