Friends of Redbridge Music Service release statement opposing Vision plan

Friends of Redbridge Music Service said the proposals to transfer services to Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure were “rushed through without any proper consultation” after parents were sent letters from Redbridge Council detailing the plans.

Its statement read: “After careful consideration of the information we have available, the Friends of Redbridge Music Service is opposing the proposed transfer.”

The letter to parents went on to outline five reasons why it was opposing the move.

It was unhappy that it was not provided with a written proposal, that the only details it had about the plans were leaked on Twitter, that it had fears over increased charges, questions about Vision’s ability to provide music services and the fact that a decision will be made in January without consultation.

The letter read: “We are not opposed to discussing the future of the Music Service and the need for savings. We understand that the council is facing major financial pressures. But this means it is even more important to make the right decisions and not rush into making the wrong

ones.

“We ask the council to halt the current proposal and its deadline and instead embark on a proper consultation with parents, schools and the community, in order to produce an informed policy to meet the council’s financial objectives whilst safeguarding and growing the service so loved by us and our children.”

At a briefing earlier this month, council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said the “radical” idea was to protect “the long term future” of both projects.

Cllr Athwal continued: “What we want to do is to transfer both these services to Vision and use their business acumen and expertise to make these services run better and safeguard their long-term future.”

After the plans were leaked, a council spokesman said Vision and the council would speak with staff, stakeholders, users and councillors throughout the month to explain and examine the plans in more detail.