Lib Dem Cabinet Member slammed for Council Music Cutbacks

Penri James, Plaid Cymru's Parliamentary Candidate for Ceredigion, today (Monday) slammed the Liberal Democrat decision to cut staff from the peripatetic music service in Ceredigion.
These cutbacks come after Ceredigion County Council's Education Department, which is run by Liberal Democrat Councillor Ceredig Davies, decided to offer early retirement to many peripatetic music teachers and not reappoint a harp teacher for the County.

Plaid Cymru Ceredigion's Penri James said:

"Like many parents, I appreciate the benefits that this service has brought to all children. This is a service that helps create a rounded individual and give pupils of all backgrounds the opportunity to be involved in music, thereby giving them confidence and a lifelong skill.

"Cutting it back is a short-sighted and poorly thought-out decision by the Liberal Democrat Cabinet member and it is a decision that has been taken quietly and in the background. Parents should be made aware of what is going on and reject these actions.

Penri James added:

"What kind of impression does this give when many communities are busy collecting money for the Ceredigion 2010 Urdd Eisteddfod and the County Council is cutting the service that will be teaching and supporting many of the contestants?"

"Up until now, Ceredigion Council has always employed a peripatetic harp teacher. This is our national instrument and Ceredigion teachers have contributed to the careers of many international harpists. It is a disgrace that this post has been scrapped. They should think again!"