The future of popular Battle of the Bands competition annually slugged out in Maldon hangs in the balance following the closure of the town's youth council.

Members of the town council have been informed that due to a lack of interest and several failed attempts to recruit new members, the youth council has been suspended.

But a last-ditch effort is still being made in a bid to get it up and running again.

Town clerk Helen Vincent said there was now a very real chance the hugely successful Battle of the Bands Competition would not go ahead next year.

Last year ten bands went head to head and many of the winners have gone on to do very well in the county competition.

Mrs Vincent said: "One of the things the youth council was heavily involved in is the Battle of the Bands Competition.

"But now there is no youth council to help the town council must decide if it is right to continue organising it because really it is a youth project and needs youth involvement."

Anyone interested in joining the youth council should contact Maldon Town Council 01621 857373 Six to eight youth councillors are needed to make it worthwhile.

Published Friday July 9, 2004

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