UUP Party Officer and Community and Voluntary Sector Spokesman for the UUP, Kenny Donaldson has called upon the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland to ensure the retention of a Grants Measure to support local bands.

In a statement, Mr Donaldson said: "Many bands will have received finance from the Arts Council NI in the past to assist their efforts in strengthening their organisation, the finance enabled many to purchase musical instruments. However, as things stand, there is no future intention by Arts Council NI to direct resources for the purchase of musical instruments by bands. I, along with the members of my Party's, DCAL Committee will be liaising with the Bands Community in a common effort to lobby the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for financial resources to be retained for the bands sector.

"I wish to place on record my admiration for the voluntary commitment given by those involved with local bands in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, whether that is; the administrators or those who actually perform. Bands have enabled thousands of people to further their musical talents, develop their knowledge of culture, augment 'pride within their community' and for their respective area. Bands enable young people to focus their energies in a positive, supportive manner.

"I will be lobbying hard for the bands community, the work that they are involved in is priceless and it is only right and proper that this work continues to be supported financially by Government," concluded Mr Donaldson. ENDS

For further information, please contact Kenny Donaldson on: 07900882770