Outrage as organ recitals are axed

A Black Country town's longstanding annual series of organ recitals has been cancelled by a cash-strapped council after decades at Walsall Town Hall.

The council's decision to axe the shows was today described as "another bit of culture lost to Walsall".

Daytime shows, mainly attended by pensioners, had previously been held once a month during the winter.

Retired kitchen-fitter Clive Burgess, 78, of Seven Acres, Aldridge, said he was sad to see the shows stopped.

"It's another bit of culture being lost to Walsall," the pensioner added.

"They spent thousands doing the organ up at Walsall town hall a few years ago and it would be a real shame if it wasn't put to use.

"The problem is, if it's not used, it will go to rack and ruin," he said.

"It is something that is mainly attended by retired people and is a real pleasure to many. A friend and I always go and we are both organ nuts.

"We can only hope this is not an inept attempt by the council to save money."

Councillor Barry Sanders, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "The organ concerts and recitals which have been regularly staged at Walsall Town Hall certainly have a loyal following but are not attended by high numbers of people," he said.

"We have been refreshing the events programme and staging some new shows which have included a tremendously popular wrestling evening.

"We are planning some organ recitals next year," added the councillor.