Musical demo over harp lesson cut

Protesters gather at the Ceredigion council meeting in Aberaeron

Parents and children objecting to a decision to stop harp lessons in Ceredigion schools have staged a musical protest.

About 30 adults and pupils joined the demonstration in Aberaeron before a council cabinet meeting.

Children played the harp while parents spoke to councillors.

Ceredigion Council said financial constraints meant that non-statutory services, such as school harp lessons, were being cut or withdrawn.

Protest organiser Bethan Jones, whose daughter is affected, said: "We feel very strongly that the service has been cut back.

Ceredigion Council is reviewing its decision to cancel LEA funded harp lessons.

"The children get a lot out of the service and not only learn how to play an instrument but it also improves their social skills and self-esteem."

Mrs Jones said former Royal harpist Catrin Finch and the current Royal harpist Claire Jones both supported the parents.

Penri James, Plaid Cymru's prospective parliamentary candidate, said: "We are losing something that is very precious. This decision by the council is a short-sighted, bean-counting decision."

Ceredigion council leader Keith Evans said: "If we had more beans from the assembly we would be able to retain these non-statutory services.

"But the reality is that we're having to cope with a tight budget and we're having to make very difficult decisions."