LOCAL musicians are being called upon to support Lancaster's popular Musician's Co-op as the council prepares to sell the building to the highest bidder.

The not-for-profit centre for musicians, which offer rehearsal space, equipment hire and sound recording at pocket money prices, is regularly used by up to 500 musicians every week.

But with the council looking to sell the Edward Street canal corridor and old Mitchell's Brewery site to a developer, there are fears the co-op could be reduced to rubble to make way for a supermarket or flats.

Friends and supporters say it's yet another example of the city's soul being swept aside in the name of redevelopment.

They have called on the council to protect the 17 year-old co-operative, which they consider to be one of the city's important cultural assets.

"Lancaster's musicians co-op is unique and at the moment we're as busy as ever," said sound engineer, Dave Blackwell.

"We're obviously concerned that any developer buying this area would simply end our lease and close the co-op down.

We've not increased our prices since 1991 and we're in the centre of the city which means local kids can afford our services and get here on foot."

The co-op's Tom Myall added: "There are plenty of local parents who are delighted that their children can play their music here rather than in the spare bedroom or garage and annoying the neighbours.

"We're totally soundproofed so they can make as much noise as they want.

If we had a long-term lease we could apply for lottery money to make improvements and offer an even better service."

The Musician's Co-op set up a website several weeks ago and has already had over 4,000 hits from across the globe.

Lots of local bands, including chart toppers Angelica and the Milltown Brothers, have also used the co-op as a base to launch careers.

"Places like the musician's co-op are part of the fabric of what makes Lancaster special," said local councillor, Jon Barry.

"In recent months we've seen the Navigation reduced to rubble and I would hate to see the co-op go the same way.

It is the only venue that provides inexpensive rehearsal and recording equipment for young bands in the district.

It will cost a fortune if they have to go elsewhere."

John Whitelegg, who helped develop the Gregson as a community cultural centre, added: "There is very little prospect that developers will want to keep the co-op.

The Council should be taking a firm line and say that the co-op is not for sale.

As happened with the Navigation, we are faced with the absurd prospect of, on the one hand, the Council spending millions of pounds on regeneration and job creation and on the other hand getting rid of a business that has provided a valuable service for many years."