Lockerley Silver Band Faces Eviction After More Than a Century
Lockerley Silver Band, a much-loved local institution with a history spanning over 164 years, is facing
eviction from its long-standing rehearsal space following a decision by Lockerley Parish Council.
At a Parish Council meeting held 17
th
November, councillors voted to give the Band notice to vacate the
room that has been its home for more than a century. The decision was carried by four votes in favour, with
one against and two abstentions. The notice requires the Band to leave by the end of March 2026.
A potential alternative location in the annexe of the Memorial Hall had previously been suggested. However,
at the Memorial Hall’s Annual General Meeting it was confirmed that the former youth club space will be
relaunched as
The Hive
, with a renewed focus on youth provision. As a result, Lockerley Silver Band
currently has no confirmed future base.
Without a suitable rehearsal venue, the Band’s continued existence is under serious threat. Members fear
that, after generations of music-making and community involvement, Lockerley Silver Band could be forced
to disband, bringing a long local tradition to an end.
Despite the uncertainty, the Band remains committed to performing and supporting live music in the
community.
Parish council Meeting 19th Janurary 2026 ( closed session ) Band Awaits Council responce to Letter
10th Feb 2026
At a meeting of Lockerley Parish Council held on 19 January 2026, the Council formally resolved that
Lockerley Silver Band must vacate the Parish Room by 31 March 2026. The Council stated that it considers
the use of public funds to support the Band to be financially prohibitive, unjustifiable and unsustainable,
and that precept funds must be used for the benefit of parishioners as a whole. The matter had previously
been discussed in public session in November 2025, and representatives of the Band had also met with
Parish Council members in September 2025. In subsequent correspondence, the Council confirmed that it
would not enter into further discussion on the decision. The Band has also been provided with a copy of a
historic agreement dated 1 May 1998 relating to the Band’s use of the Parish Room, which references notice
provisions. The decision therefore stands, and the Band is required to leave the Parish Room by the end of
March 2026.
A historic document dated 1 May 1998 has recently been disclosed to the Band. The current committee had
no prior knowledge of this agreement and is unable to confirm who signed it on behalf of the Band at the
time. Until this disclosure, we were unaware of any document that may have affected our understanding of
our security of tenure.
