PARENTS and friends of Redbridge Music School say they will vigorously oppose any cuts planned in this year's budget.

Their vow comes after holding a meeting in which they discussed the implications of the borough's music service losing up to £160,000 over the next four years.

Rebridge Council's cabinet claims the cutbacks are simply efficiency savings and the music service has not been singled out.

But angry supporters of the music school say it will severely hamper projects being planned by the school and the service as a whole.

Friends of Redbridge Music Service secretary Phil Ward said: "Everyone is united in opposing these cuts. It's particularly worrying that at a time when the music service is expanding its work with local schools, including the World Music Programme, the council is even considering these cuts.

"Add to this the proposal that these cuts should continue for the next four years and you're seeing the very fabric of the service torn to shreds."

He added: "Parents of all pupils in Redbridge schools should be made aware of how these cuts will affect their children."

All at the meeting agreed that pressure should be kept on councillors, to reconsider the recommendations to cut the music service budget.