A MUSIC studio which hosts more than 75 bands each week is demanding a promise that it will have a harmonious future.

Lancaster Music Co-operative, residents and city councillors alike want Lancaster City Council to set the co-op's future in stone to prevent it from being wiped out by a new development.

The popular centre on Lodge Street falls within the Lancaster canal corridor which is to be redeveloped.

Lancaster city council leader Cllr Ian Barker has pledged that the group's future is safe and a new home will be found for the co-op.

But Tom Myall, of the co-operative, says nothing has been guaranteed and members say they don't want to hear any more empty promises'.

"We want something in writing because if we are moved from here we need to know that we can afford the lease on any new place and that it will be suitable for our needs, with sufficient space and rooms.

"Last week we had 75 bands using the studios, which is about 300 people. If this facility was lost it would be a real shame."

Cllr Jon Barry agrees that something needs to be set in stone'.

He says both residents and people who use the facilities must have a say in its future. It must not be left in the hands of any developers.

However, Cllr Pat Quinton says people do not need to slag off' the council to achieve results.

"The Musicians Co-op has done a tremendous job over the last 20 years for the music scene in Lancaster and we all want to see it continuing, which is why we insisted that a venue for them be included in the canal corridor development," she says.

"But the way to achieve this is to talk to each other and estab-lish how its needs can be met."

She has asked for a meeting between the city council's cabinet and the Co-op.

Residents got together last week to discuss how the site should be developed. A further meeting is expected to take place in the next few weeks.

Rachel Ryan