Music charity faces closure due to funding shortage

Karl Meyer, who runs Plymouth Music Zone, said the charity urgently needs vital funding

An award-winning community music charity has said it may have to close by the end of November as it is running out of money.

Plymouth Music Zone helps people of all ages and abilities get access to instruments and musicians from its music education centre in the city.

Staff said it had become increasingly difficult to cover running costs and it may have to close after 25 years of operating.

Karl Meyer, who runs the charity, said it "will be closing at the end of November if we don't receive vital funding".

He added: "However, we want to spend this time making a difference, fighting for the last couple of months, to ensure that the music centre will be around for as long as possible continuing to deliver music and making a difference in the city of Plymouth."

Paul uses the centre regularly

One of the groups that has been using the centre regularly is the Plymouth Highbury Trust which holds weekly musician-led sessions that allow people with learning disabilities to perform together.

Paul is one of those who takes part in the sessions and said that he would be "really sad" if it had to close.

"I like the singing and dancing a lot - I'd be a really bit sad and crying a lot", he said.