Brass band saved from collapse looking for new home

A brass band, recently saved from folding due to a lack of members, is now searching for a new home after its rehearsal space was deemed financially unviable by a council.

Ilkeston Brass Band had been rehearsing at the old Pewit golf pavilion on West End Drive but players have now been told they need to move out in three weeks after an inspection by Erewash Borough Council on Wednesday.

“It was always intended to be a temporary arrangement so now we have to find somewhere new,” said band secretary Rose Norman.

A council spokesperson said it had been working with the band and recognised its "important role" in the community. It added the move was "a short-term arrangement" from the outset.

The band previously rehearsed at Stanton Ironworks on Littlewell Lane but had to vacate due to the planned development of the site.

Norman said the council “very kindly” offered the band weekly rehearsals at the golf pavilion in August 2023, for £135 per month plus bills.

She said she was not surprised they now had to move out given that the building was “very old and not in a good state”.

The euphonium player added members had felt “quite vulnerable” after encountering anti-social behaviour outside the pavilion.

“But the advantage of it being our own space, being able to go whenever we please, it is a big blow to lose that,” she said.

A spokesperson for Erewash Borough Council said in a statement: "From the outset, this was a short-term arrangement, with all parties aware that the building was in relatively poor condition and not suitable as a long-term base."

The authority said a recent inspection had found the building had suffered further deterioration to its roof and structure, which "significant health and safety concerns".

"In light of this, the council has taken a responsible decision to require the building to be vacated ahead of the lease expiry date in order to protect users and avoid disproportionate expenditure on a structure that is not viable in the longer term.

"We recognise the important role Ilkeston Brass plays in the community and appreciate that relocation presents challenges.

"Officers have been in direct contact with the band, have explored alternative accommodation options within the council's estate, and remain open to further discussions to support them in identifying a suitable solution," the statement added.

The authority said it remained "committed to supporting local community organisations but must balance this with its responsibility to manage public assets safely and responsibly".

This is the latest blow for the band which feared for its future last year due to a lack of members.

However it was saved after more members and a new musical director were found and celebrated its survival with a free performance in Ilkeston's Victoria Park on 7 June.

However Norman said she had already made contact with numerous community venues in Ilkeston and was feeling “reasonably optimistic” about finding a new premises.

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